DK 

434 



Met 



THE 

FALL OF POLAND 

In 1794: 



HISTORICAL TRAGIC DRAMA, 



IN FOUR ACTS. 



BY 



A PATKIOT. 



But all are Slaves; whereas by Nature's laws 
Fair LIBERTY'S the birthright of Mankind !" 

Page 53. 



LONDON : 

LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS, 



1855. 



London 
Wilson and Ogilvy, 
Skinner Street. 



TO 

r . THE TEUE FRIENDS AND PROMOTERS OF 

LI BEET Y 

THROUGHOUT 

i BRITANNIA, GALLIA, HIBEMIA, AND SCOTIA, 

THE 

TRAGIC DRAMA 

OF 

" Cljc Jfall of Ipohnb" 

IS INSCBIBED, 

£N THE HOPE OF ITS BEING/ IN SOME WAT INSTRUMENTAL IN AROUSING 
AN ACTIVE, ENERGETIC, AND SUCCESSFUL MOVEMENT 
ON BEHALF OF 

POLISH NATIONALITY, 

WHEREBY THAT LONG OPPRESSED COUNTRY MAY, 
AT NO DISTANT PERIOD, 
BE RELEASED FROM THE GALLING CHAINS OF RUSSIAN DESPOTISM; 

AND 

BY THE FIRM BOND OF YOUR UNITED STRENGTH, DEVOTED 
AND ENTHUSIASTIC ZEAL, 

THAT POLAND MAY BE RAISED UP FROM HER LOW AND PROSTRATE 
STATE, BASED ON THE FIRM AND TOWERING STRUCTURE OF LONG 
AND LASTING FREEDOM, TILL SHE ASCENDS TRIUMPHANT IN HER 
SOVEREIGN MIGHT 

" To the bright Pinnacle of Liberty, — 
An Ornament to Nations, bless'd on Earth, 

While watered with the dews from H eav'n above. "— Kos. page 30. 

IN THIS ARDENT AND SINCERE HOPE, 
THE OFFERING OF A SYMPATHETIC HEART, 
THE AUTHOR BEGS MOST UNFEIGNEDLY TO SUBSCRIBE HIMSELF, 

YOUR MOST SINCERELY ATTACHED, DEVOTED, 

AND FAITHFUL BROTHER, 



A PATRIOT. 



EEIARKS. 



In placing the Drama of "The Fall op Poland" before the notice 
of the true friends and promoters of Liberty, the Author deems it 
of importance, at this particular period of the World's History, to 
give an Historic al Epitome, tracing out the rapid strides of 
Russian aggression, interspersed with some general Remaeks that 
may not be without their utility. 

When we cast our eyes back to the close of the Seventeenth Century, 
we there behold the rise of one of those reigning monsters of iniquity 
in the person, style, and description of " Peter the Great, Czar or 
Emperor of Russia," "Father of his Country!" &c. &c. and such 
like profaned titles. We see in this Personage that ever-restless 
and untameable spirit of brute -force policy exerted against the 
liberties of mankind, whether in European or Asiatic States, the 
fruits of which we now behold so manifest in the present day, 
engendering in our minds serious apprehensions for the future ! 

It was after the capture of Azof (1), in 1695, that the covetous 
desires and malign propensities of this Monarch looked forward to 
the conquest of the Crimea (2), and thereby to facilitate his access to 
the East. We find that by the peace of Carlo witz (3), in 1699, this 
turbulent spirit was diverted for a time against the Turkish Empire, 
when he turned his rapacious glance in a northern direction towards 



(1) Azov or Azof, Tanais, a Town and Fort of Russia, at the entrance of 
the Don, Sea of Azof, 25 m. E. of Taganrog. The Sea of Azov lies between 
lat. 45° 20' and 47° 18' N. and Ion. 35° and 39° E.N.E. of the Black Sea, and 
connected therewith by the Strait of Yenikale. 

(2) Crimea, Taurica Chersonesus, a Peninsula of S. Russia, formed by the 
Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. 

(3) Carlowitz, Karlowitz, or Carlovitz, a Town of the Austrian Empire, 
Slavonian territory, and 8 m. S.S.E. Peterwardien. 

a 2 



vi 



REMARKS. 



the Baltic (1). From the ill-success of Peter at the first siege of 
Narva (2), against that remarkable man Charles XII. of Sweden, we 
find him successful at the battle of Dorpat (3), although insignificant 
in itself, but from which we may reckon the data of Muscovite 
warfare. The sieges of Marienbourg (4) and Notebourg soon followed 
in the train of Peter's conquests ; as also that of Meinchantz, in 

1703. From this period Russia held possession of a Baltic Port- 
It was then that Peter, elated by his conquests, formed the project 
of building a City, when St. Petersburg (5) was founded. In order 
to protect tins after-capital of Russia, the far-seeing eye of Peter, in 
the winter of 1703, commenced that now formidable barrier to in- 
vasion — the town and fort of Cronstadt (6) . After having obtained 
a victory over the Swedes at Carelia, he directed his rapacious glance 
for the second time towards Narva ; and by a wily stratagem in no 
way redounding to the credit or earning the name of skilful General- 
ship, but by one of those treacherous devices so common with 
Muscovite barbarism, obtained possession of that devoted place in 

1704. Another project of great moment to the Russian Empire 
was commenced about this period, when a canal was formed which 
united the rivers Msta (7) and Tvertza (8), thereby forming an un- 
broken communication between the Caspian (9) and the Baltic Seas. 



(1) Baltic, or East Sea, Mare Balticuni, an extensive Sea of N. Europe, 
enclosed by Sweden, Russia, Prussia, Mecklenbourg, and Denmark. Area, 
including the Gulf of Bothnia, 125,000 square miles. 

(2) Narva, a fortified river-Port Town of Russia, 81 m. W.S.W. St. Peters- 
burg, on the Narova, 9 m. from its mouth in the Gulf of Finland. It consists 
of an Old and New Town. 

(3) Dorpat, or Derpt (Russian, Juriev), a Town of Russia, gov. Livonia, on 
the Embach, 150 m. N.E Riga. 

(4) Marienbourg (Lettish, Allohksne), a Town of Russia, gov. Livonia, on 
the lake of same name, 57 m. S.W. Pskov. 

(5) St. Petersburg, the modern Cap. City of the Russian Empire, on the 
Neva Gulf of Finland, 20 m. E. Cronstadt. Lat. 59° 56' 5" N., Ion. 30° 19' E. 
Pop. 500,000. 

(6) Cronstadt or Kronstadt, a fortified Town of Russia, 18 m. W. St. Peters- 
burg, of which it forms the Port. Lat. 59° 59' 46" N., Ion. 29° 40' 38" E. Its 
vast Port, the most important of the Russian marine, is divided into Three 
Parts:— that on the E. is the Military L'ort, containing the Russian Fleet ; 
the Middle Port, used for refitting ships of war ; and that on the W., for the 
lading and discharging of large merchant vessels unable to reach St. Peters- 
burg. The Forts strongly defended by Ramparts and Bastions. 

(7) Msta, a River of Russia, govs, l'ver and Novgorod ; after a N. and W. 
course of 250 m. to Voltchok, a canal proceeds to connect it with the 

(8) Tvertza, a River of Russia, gov. Tver; after a S-E. course of 110 m. 
joins the Volga, where a canal joins it with the Msta. 

(9) Caspian Sea (Mare Hyrcanum), an inland Sea of W. Asia, between lat. 
36° 40' and 47° 20' N., and Ion: 46° 50' and 54° 10' E. ; enclosed by Russia, 
Persia, &c. Length N. to S. about 700 m. 



HEM AUKS. 



vii 



From an innate obstinate pride of Charles XII. and the utter 
disregard and contempt in which he held the growing military 
character of Russia, and his intermeddling with the internal disputes 
of Poland, are to be attributed the many losses (although brilliant 
in victory for a time) that King and the Swedish nation sustained. 
From the forced election of Augustus II. (the Elector of Saxony) (1) 
as King of Poland, in 1697, in opposition to that of Prince Conti, 
one of the most popular of the candidates for the Polish Crown, we 
may trace the first link in that long and heavy chain of Mack events 
which was to seize and grasp around with iron clutch the fair form 
of Polish Libeety and chain her to the dust ! " Since this period," 
says Bulhiere, " Poland has always received her Kings under the 
compulsion of foreign arms!" 

Peter and Charles separately espoused the cause of Prince Conti ; 
but Augustus, with his Saxon army (so hated by the Poles as 
mercenary intruders), felt confidence in being able to fight his own 
battles. The recovery of Livonia (2) from the Swedes, which was 
ceded by the Treaty of Oliva (3) on the 3rd of May, 1660, was 
one of his most anxious cares ; but his first attempt provmg abor- 
tive, he called to his aid the Monster of Russia, who through 
avarice, and having his eye (for maritime purposes) on Ingria (4), 
the north-east part of Livonia, was not long in joining Augustus 
against Charles. The Swedes routed Augustus and his Saxons on 
the banks of the Dwina (5). Charles took Warsaw (6), and gained 
the Battle of Klissow, when Augustus fled to Cracow (7). 
Charles XII. crowned Stanislas Leszczynski King of Poland. 



(1) Saxony (German, Sachsen), a Kingdom of Central Europe, in the 
middle of Germany, between lat. 50° 10' and 51° 28' N., and Ion. 11° 55' and 
15° 3' E. 

(2) Livonia (Germ. Livland, or Liefiand), a marit. gov. of Russia, between 
lat. 50° 30' and 56° 20' N., and Ion. 24° and 28° E. Area, 20,450 sq. m. Riga 
the Capital. 

(3) Oliva, a Village of W. Prussia, 5 m. N.W. Dantzig. 

(4; Ingria (German, Ingermanniand), a Prov. Russia, forming part of the 
gov. St. Petersburg. 

(5) Dwina, Dvina, or Northern Dwina, an important River of Russia, govs. 
Vologda and Archangel, flows N.W. and enters the White Sea 20 m. below 
Archangel. Total course, 330 m. 

(6) Warsaw Pol. Warszawa, Germ. Warschau, Fren. Varsovie), Cap. of the 
Kingdom of Poland, on the Vistula. Lat. 52° 13' 5" N., Ion. 21° 2' 9" E. 
Warsaw succeeded Cracow as the Cap. of Poland in 1586. 

(7) Cracow (Ger. and Pol. Krakau), a City and ancient Cap. of Poland, 
lat. 50° 3' 59" N., Ion. 19° 51' 50" E., on the Vistula. 



viii 



REMARKS. 



Augustus, again defeated by Charles at the Battle of Punitz (1), 
resigned all pretensions to the Crown in favour of Stanislas. 

Peter, not idle, overruns Poland under Menzikoff. Charles, 
beaten by the Eussians at Pultowa (2), retires to Turkey. Augustus 
again resumes the Polish Crown. Charles incites the Turks against 
the Russians, who invest Peter on the banks of the Pruth (3), 
which compels the Czar to capitulate in 1711. Peter, out of danger, 
breaks the Treaty, and his Oath, with the Poles by increasing his 
army in Poland. 

Augustus, not feeling secure on his throne, applies to Peter to 
settle the disputes between him and his outraged subjects ; when 
under the dark cloud of Eussian terrorism ! peace {misnamed) w~s 
obtained, in 1717, between Augustus on the one side and the Poles 
on the other. It was then, under a Russian pretext, that Poland's 
valiant sons were disbanded to the number of 18,000. 

Peter by this time had the whole of Livonia in his grasp. A 
Secret Treaty was formed by Peter and Charles to make a descent 
upon England, and to add the further acquired appellation of 
" Aebiteb oe Etteobe" to his long list of profaned titles ! The 
death of Charles however, in 1718, put an end to this dangerous 
Treaty. 

Before that Russian Tyrant breathed his last in 1725, he took 
care to look beyond his grave, fighting even hi death to torture poor 
humanity, and cast his pestilential venom on posterity, by ever 
propagating endless strife and stratagem within the breasts of his 
Successors against the liberties of mankind. The Will ! of Peter is 
that black envenomed scroll that speaks the Will of Eussia now 
as well as then ! Was it not that Will ! looked up to by his 
successors with a reverential zeal, that struck down Polish 
Libeett, and dragged her into bondage ? Is not that Will ! the 
source of Tartar and Hungarian Slavery ? And may not that Will! 
ere long prevail against the Western Sons of Liberty, to Crown a 



(1) Punitz (Pol. Powiec), a Town of Prussian Poland, 44 m. S. Posen. 

(2) Pultowa, Poltava, or Pultawa, a gov. of S. Russia, between lat. 48° 25' 
and 51° 6' N., and Ion. 30° 45' and 36° 40' E. Poltava, the Cap. on the Vorskla. 
70 m. W.S.W. Kharkov. 

(3) Pruth, a River of E. Europe, rises in the Carpathian mountains ; flows 
at first E., through Galicia and the Bukovina, and afterwards S.8.E. below 
Moldavia and Bessarabia, and at Reni, 75 m. from the Black Sea, joins the 
Danube on the left. Total course, 360 m. 



REMARKS. 



ix 



Tyrant Czar the Sovereign of the World ! unless the valiant Sons 
of Freedom break the yoke that hangs around their Polish and 
Hungarian Brothers ? (1) 



(1) The WILL of the CZAR (styled) "PETER the GREAT." 

" In the name of the Holy Indivisible Trinity, We Peter, to all our suc- 
cessors greeting, &c. : The great God, who always enlightened us by His 
Divine Wisdom, allows me now to behold in the Russian nation the people 
chosen by Providence to govern the whole of Europe ! Most of the European 
nations have already arrived at a state of extreme old age, and they must 
needs be regenerated ! by a new and youthful people, when the time for the 
latter shall have come," "&c. &c. 

The following are the RULES ! he lays down by which his successors are 
to follow out the blood-stained track ! which he himself commenced : — 

" Rule I.— The Russian Nation is constantly to be kept in a state of War ! 
and the warlike spirit of the Russian Nation to be kept up ! 

" Rule II.— Distinguished Generals belonging to the most civilised 
nations of Europe are'to be called to Russia in time of War ! and the very 
first artizans and men of letters in time of peace. 

"Rule III. — Russia is on all possible occasions to intermeddle in 
European Differences, and affairs of all kinds! in particular, however, 
she is to do so in those which concern Germany, on account of the proximity 
and more direct interest which is to be attached to that country. 

" Rule IV.- Poland is to be Divided ! This object in view will 
be effected by encouraging in that country Party Rivalries, and by con- 
stantly keeping up a state of Internal Discord. 

" The most influential of the Polish nobility are to be won over with Gold ! 
the influence in the country, and at the elections of the Kings, is to be main- 
tained ; and every opportunity is to be eagerly laid hold of which affords a 
pretext to march Russian troops into the Kingdom of Poland 1 

" In the event of the neighbouring Poivers raising difficulties, the Country 
should be Divided! and whatever share of the Spoil! it may be found 
necessary then to grant to them may always be resumed hereafter, whenever 
a proper opportunity offers for the purpose ! 

" Rule V.— It is expedient to take as much territory as possible from 
Sweden ! It must be separated from Denmark ! and a feeling of jealousy 
is constantly to be kept up between these two countries. 

" Rule VI.— The Consorts of the Russian Princes are always to be chosen 
from amongst the German Princesses, in order to multiply the family con- 
nections. 

" Rule VII.— The alliance with England, for commercial reasons, is to 
be preferred to all other alliances. England requires our produce for its 
navy ; and it might moreover be made subservient to aid in the development 
of the maritime strength of Russia. 

" Rule VIII.— It is necessary that the Russian Empire should be 
continually extending towards the North, along the Baltic; and towards 
the South, along the shores of the Black Sea ! 

" Rule IX.— It is expedient to draw as near as possible to Constanti- 
nople and to the East Indies. Whoever Rules in these tivo Countries is 
the True Sovereign of the World! Wars are in consequence constantly 
to be waged, or caused to be waged, against Turkey and Persia ; great 
Colonies are to be established along the Euxine, in order to get in time the 
whole Black Sea into the Russian Power! The same policy is to be 
followed with regard to the Shores of the Baltic— two objects indis- 
pensable for the success of the above project. 

" Rule X.— The Greeks, united and schismatical, who are spread over 



X 



REMARKS. 



On the death of Augustus II., in 1733, the ex-King, Stanislas 
Leszczynski, was re-elected by the Poles. Passing over the brief 
and unimportant reigns of Catheiune I. and the boy Peter II , we 
come to that of Anne of Ivanounna, who invaded Poland with an 
army of 60,000 men for the purpose of raising Augustus III. 
(Elector of Saxony), son of the late King, to the throne. These 
savage troops met with success ; the Poles being too enfeebled to 
offer resistance by reason of the late reduction in their army, when 
the remaining troops barely numbered 15,000 undisciplined men. 
Stanislas dethroned, and Augustus III. crowned King of Poland, 
the Eussians besieged Dantzig (1) in 1734, which capitulated after 
an obstinate and heroic resistance on the part of the besieged Poles 
of more than five months The Empress Anne succeeded against 
the Turks and Tartars ; but at a great sacrifice. Elizabeth, the 
successor of Anne, fought against the Swedes, who evacuated 
Finland (2), and abandoned the siege of Fredrikshamn (3), when a 



Hungary, Turkey, and Southern Poland, must be gained by favours to be 
bestowed on them, for it is expedient to win their sympathies for Russia! 
They must look up to us as their central point and their chief support. A 
generally preponderating influence is to be created by joining the principle 
of Autocracy to a sort of Spiritual Supremacy combined &n&united in 
the person of the Czar. The Greeks will tnen be friends of Russia, and our 
enemies will be theirs. 

" Rule XI.— "When Sweden is iveakened, Persia vanquished! Poland 
subjugated, Turkey conquered, and the Euxine and the Baltic guarded by 
Russian Fleets, then Secret Proposals are first to be addressed to the 
French Court, and hereafter to the Court of Vienna, offering them to 
share with Russia the Kingdom of the World ! ! 

" If one of those two great Powers consents, from vanity or from flattered 
ambition, to entertain the proposal, then it must be made use of to suppress 
the other, and to amiihilate all other Powers ! ! ! — an undertaking 
that cannot rail of success; for by that time Russia will already be in 
possession of the whole of the East, and o the major part of Europe ! 

" Rule XII.— Should, however, the impossible become true, and both 
Powers unite in resisting the offer thus made, then it is expedient to incite 
them to Strife with one another, and in this manner to exhaust their 
strength. Then Russian arms will first inundate Germany, 
then France, and in this way Europe will and must he 
conquered ! 

« (Signed) PETER I. 

" Emperor of all the Russias." 

(1) Dantzi? (Dantzic Gdansk), an important fortified City and Sea Port of 
W. Prussia, on the Vistula; lat. 54° 21' 4" N., Ion. 18° 39' 34" E. 

(2) Finland (Principality of), an administrative division of the Russian 
Empire, Cap. Helsingfors, between lat. 59° 48' and 70° 6' N., and Ion. 20° and 
32° E. ; bounded N. by Lapland, E. by Archangelsk and Olonetz, S. the Gulf 
of Finland and the gov. of St. Petersburg, W. by the Gulf of Bothnia and 
Sweden ; area, 136,0 ;0 sq. m. 

(3) Frederikshamn, or Hainnia, a fortified Sea Port Town of Finland, 32 m. 
W.S.W. Wyborg. 



REMARKS. 



xi 



Treaty of Peace was signed, giving the greater portion of Finland to 
the Empress and her successors ! 

In 1752, on the eve of the American war between England and 
France, those powers looked for an alliance in Europe, when the 
English Minister, that man of intrigue, Sir Hanbury Williams, pro- 
posed the union of Russia, Saxony, and Poland ! ! ! Count Broglie 
counterplotted on behalf of France. The English scheme met with 
the fate it so justly deserved, being an utter failure, from the bold 
and determined resolution of those brave and patriotic Polish 
G-enerals, Count Branicki and Mokranowski, who well knew the 
fatal consequences that would attend an alliance with Russia. 

A Russian army of 100,000 men marched through Poland on 
behalf of Augustus III. (the intruder), against Frederick of 
Prussia, who invaded Saxony. Frederick defeated the Russians at 
Zorndorff (1) in 1758. The Russians, however, are successful at 
Zullichau (2) and Custrin (3), when they seize upon Berlin (4). The 
death of c: Elizabeth, falsely styled " the merciful !" terminates the 
war, when Frederick finds in the person of Peter III., the successor 
of Elizabeth, a friend and ally. Three Resolutions agreed upon by 
Peter and Frederick were : — 1st. Augustus' successor should be a 
Pole (the view of the Czartoryskis) ; 2nd. To protect the Dissidents ; 
3rd. Russia should resume her possession of Courland (5). In 1762, 
Peter III. was murdered by his treacherous wife Catherine, who, 
previous to his death, had herself crowned under the title of 
" Catherine II. the Empress of Muscovy or all the Russias." The 
Russians, numbering 8,000, encamp at Wilna (6) under a pretext. 
Mokranowski, on behalf of the Poles, applies to Keyserling, the 
Russian General, for an explanation. The Russian " G-old" offered 
on this occasion, in strict obedience with the mandate or Will ! of 



(1) Zorndorff is a Village of Prussia, prov. of Brandenburg-, 5. m. N. 
Kustrin. 

(2) Zullichau, a walled Town of Prussia, prov. Brandenburg, 50 m. E.S.E. 
Frankfurt. 

(3) Custrin or Kustrin, a fortified Town of Prussia, prov. Brandenburg, 
17 m. N.E. Frankfurt. 

(4) Berlin, the Cap. of Prussia, of the prov. of Brandenburg, on the Spree, 
156 ra. E.S.E. Hamburg, and 100 m. N. Dresden; lat. 52° 30' 16" N., Ion. 
13° 23' 58" ; 10 m. in circumference ; area, 6,800 acres. 

( )Courland, or Kurland, a gov. of Russia ; lat. 56° and 58° N., and Ion. 
21° and 27° E ; area, 10,860 sq. m. ; ceded to Russia in 1795. 

(6) Wilna or Vilna, a gov. of Russian Poland; lat. 53° 40' and 56° 20' N., 
and Ion. 21° 10' and 27° E. ; area, 27,680 sq. m. ; capital, Vilna, formerly cap. 
of Lithuania, 90 m. N.E. Grodno. 



xii 



REMARKS. 



Peter I., had no charms for the noble Mokranowski, who spurned 
the proffered offer (to sell his Country) as a loathsome pestilence ! 
An ally of the Poles appeared in the person of the Cham of the 
Crimea, whose threats to Keyserling made the latter withdraw his 
troops from Lithuania (1). 

On the 15th of October, 1763, Augustus III. was no more. 
Religious dissensions now burst forth between the Roman Catholics 
and a body called the " Dissidents" of the Protestant party. These 
latter Catherine takes under her protection. Russia has an under- 
standing with France, Austria, and Prussia, on the point of strict 
neutrality in reference to Poland. On the 7th of May, 1764, 
Mokranowski and other Polish Patriots at the elective Diet offer a 
bold resistance to the election of Stanislas Augustus Poniatowski, 
and apply to Prince Henry of Prussia to become their King. But 
Catherine, through her agent Prince Repnin, at the head of 60,000 
men on the Polish frontiers, caused a forced election of Stanislas on 
the 7th of September, his coronation taking place on the 25th of 
November, 1764. The claims of the Dissidents rejected by the Diet of 
1776, they apply to Catherine by memorial, who informs the Polish 
Ambassador that they must get redress, adding, " I forewarn you, if 
you do not yield to me what I now request, my demands shall be without 
bounds /" On the 20th of March, 1767, the Dissidents, protected by 
the presence of 40,000 Russians, forma Confederation at Thorn (2). 
On the 5th of October, 1767, the Diet of the Constitutionalists is 
opened under the eye of Podosk, the agent of the Muscovite Repnin, 
where he exhibits his treachery and barbarity, which ends in the 
banishment to Siberia (3) of those, noble Polish Patriots — Soltyk, 
the Bishop of Cracow ; Zaluski, Bishop of Kiow, and others ! On 
the 19th of November, 1767, the Dissidents are confirmed in their 
rights, on which occasion the Ministers of the foreign Protestant 
Courts of England, Prussia, Denmark, and Sweden are present to 



(1) Lithuania, a Country of Europe, forming all the N. and N.E. part of 
the ancient Kingdom of Poland, now comprised in tbe Russian govs. Vitebsk, 
Mogbilev, Vilna, Grodno, and Minsk. 

(2) Thorn, a fortified Town of West Prussia, on the River Vistula, 52 m. 
S.S.W. Marienwerder. 

(3) Siberia, Sibiri, or Asiatic Russia, comprises all the N. part of Asia, 
extending from the Ural Mountains to the Pacific Ocean and Behrins? Strait, 
and having S. the Chinese Empire and independent Turkestan, and N. the 
Arctic Ocean, comprising the islands of New Siberia. Area, 5,393,250 sq. m. 
Siberia is mostly fiat and barren. Winter excessively cold, from 20° to 72° 
below zero of Fahrenheit. 



EEMAEKS. 



xiii 



add importance to the proceedings. On the 29th of February, 1768, 
the Patriots, in self-defence, formed themselves into that ever- 
memorable Confederation of Bar (1). Encouraged by France and 
Austria, they seize Cracow, &c. They send deputies to Saxony, 
Turkey, and Tartary. They are premature in the publication of 
their designs, as the Russian troops are everywhere, and intercept 
their communications. Various engagements take place with the 
Russians, but victory was always on the side of the Patriots headed 
by their brave Generals Pulawski and Mokranowski. Catherine 
denounces the Confederates as "rebels!" and marches a large army 
against Bar. Pulawski unfortunately was absent from Bar, endea- 
vouring to rally Polocki's routed army, when the Russians attacked 
the town, which fell in a few days by assault, when 1,200 prisoners 
were manacled like slaves and sent to Siberia ! New Confederations 
start up in Lithuania, at Lockroczium near Warsaw, and at Cracow. 
Now a rupture between Russia and Turkey, when the former takes 
Balta (2) on the frontiers of Podolia, causing great slaughter to the 
latter. The Turks and Tartars enter the Province of New Servia (3), 
which the Russians had seized, and carry off 35,000 prisoners. On 
the 14th of July, 1769, the Russians enter Moldavia (4<), rout the 
Turks, and take Chocium. The Russians then fall back on Poland, 
where they attack the Confederates, but without success. However, 
the misfortune of the Turks was a sad blow to the success of the 
Confederates. For greater security, the Confederates, from their 
retreat at Bilitz, remove their Council to Eperies (5), in Hungary (6), 
where they have a fruitless interview with Joseph II. of Austria (7). 



(1) Bar, now a Town of Russia, Podolia, 50 m. N.E. Kamenietz. 

(2) Balta, now a Town of Russia, in Podolia, on the Kodema, 132 m. E.S.E. 
Kamenietz. 

(3) Servia (Masia Superior, with part of Illyricum), a State of South Europe, 
cap. Belgrade, nominally included in the Turkish dominions, between 1st. 
42° 50' and 45° N., Ion. 19° 10' and 22° 45' E. \ having- N. the Danube separating 
it from Hungary, E. Wallachia and Bulgaria, S. Macedonia, and W. Bosnia 
and Albania. 

(4) Moldavia, a Province of European Turkey, in the N.E. : bounded E. 
and N. by the Pruth, which separates it from Russia; S. by Wallachia and 
the Danube, which separates it from Bulgaria ; and W. by the Austrian 
Empire. 

(5) Eperies (Hung. Herperjes), a royal free Town of Hungary, on the River 
Tarcza, 143 m. N.E. Pesth. 

(6) Hungary (Magyar, Orszag; German, Ungarin; French, Hongrie ; 
ancient Pannonia, &c), a Country of Central Europe, situated between lat. 
44° 43' and 49° 34' N., and Ion. 14° 25' and 25° E., cap. Pesth. 

(7) Austria, a State of Central Europe, cap. Wien (Vienna), lat. 45° and 
51° 2' N., Ion. 8° 35' and 26° 35' E. 

I 



xiv 



REMARKS'. 



The Russian campaign of 1770 against Turkey was one on an exten- 
sive scale. In February of this year we find the Russian fleet 
under Admiral Spiritoff on the coasts of the Peloponnesus (1) ; and 
in May, another sqiiadron under Admirals Elphinstone and Dug- 
dale, the former a Scotch, the latter an Englishman. Elphinstone 
staked his head to Catherine that he would force the Dardanelles ! (2) 
On the 5th July, 1770, the Messrs. Elphinstone and Dugdale burn 
twenty-five ships of the Turkish fleet in the Straits of Seio ; the 
latter exposing himself to the flames in a fire-ship during this 
villanous undertaking ! In June of the same year we find the land 
forces of Russia in motion ; in one place they move from New 
Servia and invest Bender, on the Dneister (3) ; in another place they 
enter Moldavia, and meet with the Turks on the banks of the 
Danube. The Turks are defeated for want of skilful Generals. 
On the 26th September, 1770, Bender (4) is taken by assault, when 
the Confederates again see their hopes blighted. An alliance between 
Prussia and Austria, in the persons of Frederic and Joseph, is now 
nearly matured from conciliatory interviews they had at Neiss on 
the 25th August, 1769, and at JSTeustadt on the 3rd September, 
1770. This alliance was adverse to the cause of the Confederates. 
France, under the Duke de Choiseul, was their only ally. In 
August 1770, Pulawski, from the Carpathian! mountains, makes a 
descent on Czenstokow, a fortified abbey on the banks of the 
Warta (5). In January 1771, the Russians lay siege to it in a body 
4,000 strong, but finally are obliged to raise the siege, leaving 1,200 
of their dead behind them. The Confederates now become formid- 
able, occupying several posts of importance. In April 1771, the 
Russian campaign against the Turks recommences ; but under the 
mediation of Austria and Prussia, proposals of peace are made on 
the 30th of May, when, by the Treaty of Foktchany, hostilities are 



(1) Peloponnesus, or the Morea. Greece or Hellas, ancient Grecia, a Country 
of S. Europe, between lat. 36° 23' and 39° 30' N., and Ion. 20° 45' and 26° E. 

(2) Dardanelles, or Hellespont' (Channel of), a narrow Strait between Europe 
and Asiatic Turkey, connecting' the Sfa of Marmora and the JSgean Sea, 
between lat. 40° and 40° 30' N., and Ion. 26° 10' and 26° 40' E. ; length, 40 m. ; 
breadth, 1 to 4 m. 

(3) Dniester, Tyras or Danaster, a navigable River of Austria and Russia, 
rises in the Carpathian mountains ; length, 400 m. 

(4) Bender, a fortified Town of Russia, prov. Bessarabia, on the Dneister, 
48 m. from its mouth, and 58 m. W.N. W. Odessa. 

(5) Warta, or Wartha, a River of Poland and Germany, rises 36 m. N.W. 
Cracow. 



XT 



suspended. In the commencement of this year the Isthmus of 
Perekop (1) is taken by the Russians under Prince Dalgorucki. 
A plague brought from Bender by the Prussians rages through 
various parts of the empire, carrying off from 600,000 to 700,000 
people. The plague extending to Poland serves as an excuse to 
Catherine to ..send further troops there for " sanitory" measures. 
Saladern, the Russian Ambassador at Warsaw, inflicts great cruelties 
on the Confederates, and designates them " Brigands and Pascals." 
Towards the close of the year 1771, Viomenil, writing on behalf of 
the Confederates, states that " All hope depends on the continuation 
of the War between the Turks and Russians." The Austrians 
seize Zips (2). The Prussians enter Silesia, and advance on 
Posen (3) and Thorn, The Confederacy now declines, by reason of 
the treachery of General Zaremba, who refuses to obey the orders of 
the Council of the 18th of March, 1772, directing him to attack the 
Russians at Peterkow, where their troops are disbanded. Prince 
Jablonowski, their deputy at Vienna, shortly after informs the 
Confederates, that an alliance was signed between Austria, Russia, 
and Prussia, for the purpose of partitioning Poland. On the 
22nd of April, 1772, the Castle of Cracow had to surrender, when 
at the same time 10,000 Austrians enter Poland from Hungary, 
under Count Esterhazy. The famous Confederation of Bar is at 
length broken up, not so much from the opposition from without 
as from the base treachery within ! 

Catherine was long the real mistress of Poland ; but, out of policy, 
and apprehending the union of Austria and Prussia against her, 
and consulting the Will of Peter the " Great," she thought it wiser 
to keep them on her side by making them partakers of the meditated 
plunder of Poland 1 . The Empress Catherine, when her troops 
entered Poland in 1767, most solemnly declared that she would 
maintain the integrity of the Kingdom ; and stated, in accordance 
with the 9th section of the Code, " that no 'part was ever to be 
dismembered /" Catherine breaks Jier Oath ! and commissions 
Frederick to be her agent at Vienna to complete the Triumvirate of 
Spoliators ! Frederick, in the meantime, casts his eyes on the City 



(1) Perekop (the Isthmus) connects the Crimea with the mainland of S. 
Russia, is 20 m. long, and 15 m. aci'oss. 

(2) Zips, a Village of Hungary, near Kirchdorf. 

(3) Posen, a fortified City of Prussia, cap. Grand Duchy Posen, on the 
Warta and Lowna Rivers, 100 m. E. Frankfurt-on-the-Oder. 



xvi 



EEMAEKS, 



of Dantzig ; but his contemplations are interrupted by the formid- 
able Treaties signed by Russia, Great Britain, Denmark, and Sweden, 
with Dantzig, in 1655, 1707, and 1767, which promised to protect 
the commerce of this city. Frederick withdraws in his demands 
until a more favourable opportunity presents itself. 

On the 17th of February, 1772, the first secret Contract of 
Partition was signed at St. Petersburg between Catherine and 
Frederick. On the 4th of March, 1772, the second secret Contract 
of Partition was signed between Prussia and Austria. And on the 
5th of August, 1772, the third Contract or definite Treaty Of 
Partition was concluded, which regulated the different portions 
the Triumvirate were to receive, and which IFirst Partition 
included one-third of the territory of Poland. Russia was to have 
the Palatinates of Polock, Witebsk, and Miscislaw to the Dwina 
and Dneiper, more than 3,000 square leagues, containing 1,800,000 
souls. Austria was to have Gallicia, part of Podolio, and Little 
Poland to the Vistula, 2,500 square leagues, containing 2,000,000 
souls. Prussia, until she could obtain Dantzig and Thorn, was to 
rest satisfied with Polish Prussia and part of Great Poland to the 
River Netze, comprising 900 square leagues, containing 860,000 
souls. The King Stanislas was to possess the remainder of the 
Kingdom of Poland under the old Constitution. In order to shield 
their crimes under the sable garb of assumed right or privilege from 
the rest of Eui'ope, the three Powers put forward certain " De- 
fences." On the 19th of April, 1773, the respective Ministers of this 
Triumvirate, — Rewiski, Benoit, Stakelberg, — take upon themselves 
to open a Diet of Partition at Warsaw, in the vain hope of obtaining 
the sanction of the Polish Nation to this foul act of common 
robbery. Although the Russian swords were upraised in the Diet to 
govern the debates, the brave Patriots Reyton, Korsack, and others 
made themselves heard, when the Diet had to be adjourned until the 
17th of May, 1773, and when, against the stifled though antagonistic 
voice of the Patriots, Commissioners are appointed to regulate 
the Partition of Poland ! The Triumvirate Spoliators appoint a 
Permanent Council, which ratifies the Treaty of Partition in the 
following year. The inactivity of France and England at this 
period is remarkable. The dotage of Lewis XV. and weakness of 
his Minister answered as the excuse for the one; while on the 
other hand the English Ministry of the day were deaf to the calls, 



SEIIARKS. 



xvii 



entreaties, and solemn warnings poured forth from a body of Patriots 
then assembled in London on behalf of oppressed Poland. 

In 1773, Catherine, regardless of the Treaty of Foksani, renews 
hostilities against the Turks on the Danube (1). Repulsed under 
the walls of Silistria (2), the Russians, reinforced, cross the river. 
The Muscovites, under G-eneral RoumianstofF, are successful in 
many engagements against the Turks, when, by the peace of 
Kainarclgi, the Black Sea (3) and the Ports of the Turkish Empire 
are opened to Russia. The Crimea is now under Muscovite sway. 
Troubles again arise in that country between two rival Khans. 
Catherine, availing herself of this opportunity, sends fresh troops into 
the Crimea, declaring that henceforward that country was under the 
"protection" of Russia ! Catherine now looks northward, and exerts 
her influence with Denmaak against Sweden. The Turks break the 
Treaty of Xaidnargi, when Catherine, out of policy, signs the Treaty 
of Constantinople (4), guaranteeing the independence of the Crimea, 
and foregoing her intentions on Moldavia and Wallachia. There is 
now a war with Austria and Prussia in reference to Bavaria, which 
terminates by Catherine espousing the cause of Prussia, when the 
Treaty of Tescheu follows. Catherine, and Joseph of Austria, now 
form a secret treaty for the invasion of the Crimea. Catherine 
builds several towns (Cherson (5), in J778, among the number) on 
the road leading to Constantinople. Catherine breaks the Treaty 
of Constantinople, and invades the Crimea under Potampkin, where 
she causes the Butchery of 30,000 Tartars, regardless of age or sex. 
The Crimea, Isle of Tamon, and the Kouban, are in the hands of 
Russia. Catherine, having so far acted under the Will of Peter the 
" Grreat " in carrying out his views, raises a monument to her 
cherished Predecessor. From the monument of Peter she casts her 



(1) Danube (German, Dauau; ancient name, Danubius and Ister), next to 
the Volga, the largest River in Europe, rises in the Berge, a mountain torrent 
in Baden. After a course of 1000 in. it empties itself in the Black Sea. 
Navigable for vessels registering 100 tons from Ulm. 

(2) Silistria (Turk. Dristra), a City of European Turkey, on the Danube, 
57 m. N.E. Schumla. 

(3) Black or Euxine Sea, Pontus Euxinus, a great Tnland Sea, between 
Eurone and Asia, within the parallels of lat. 40° 45' and 48° 45' N., Ion. 27° 30' 
to 41° 50' E.; length, 700 m. ; breadth, 3*0 m. 

(4) Constantinople, Stamboul, the Capital of the Turkish Empire, on the 
E. extremity of European Turkey, separated by the Bosphorus from Asia 
Minor; lat. 41° 16" N., Ion. 28° 59' 14" E. ; population, 400,000. 

(5) Cherson or Kherson, a fortified Town of S. Russia, on the Dneiper,92m. 
E.N.E. Odessa. 

I 2 



xviii 



EEMAEKS. 



eyes on Persia and China ; but her plans are unsuccessful. After 
her conquests, and to satiate her desires, Catherine visits the Crimea. 
England and Prussia induce the Turks to take up arms for Catherine's 
breach of the Treaty of Constantinople. The Turks declare War. 
The Russians capture Oczakow (1), in 1778, after a ten months' 
siege. Suwarrow, the Russian General, successful at Kisburn, takes 
Kotchin, on the Dneiper. The Austrians, as the ally of Russia, 
take Doubitza and Sobach. The Russians, under Admiral Ouchakoff, 
destroy the Turkish Fleet in the Black Sea to the number of sixty 
vessels — the crews butchered in a savage manner by Suwarrow. In 
the meantime, Gustavus, King of Sweden, forms in league with 
England to surprise St. Petersburg while the war is raging in 
southern Russia, but is defeated. The King of Denmark, an ally of 
Catherine, makes war on Sweden, and takes Grottenburg. The 
Russians seize Bender. The Turks seek peace at Focksani, which 
is opposed by England and Prussia, who also urge on the Hungarians 
against Austria. Suwarrow attacks Ismail (2) in 1790, and, after 
being repulsed on two separate occasions with much vigour by the 
Turks, he comes again to the assault ; and after sacrificing 15,000 
men, who are stretched dead before the place, succeeds in taking 
Ismail. Suwarrow butchers in cold blood 35,000 Turks, of all ages, 
male and female, the peaceful inhabitants of Ismail ! ! The Turks 
beaten at Motzium, peace is concluded with Russia. 

From these barbarous conquests we turn our eyes, with sad 
anticipations, towards unhappy Poland ! In the Diet of 1776, 
Stanislas, anxious to revise the Constitution, proposes a reform, 
entrusting the Patriotic Zamoyski with the task. The new Code of 
laws completed, Zamoyski lays them before the Diet of 1780. The 
abolition of monarchial election^ and the liberum veto of 1652, which 
gave the deputies the privilege to suspend all proceedings in the 
Diet by a simple dissent, formed a prominent feature in the wise 
Councils of this noble Patriot. The majority of the Polish nobles 
dissent, who designate Zamoyski a "Traitor!" In May 1787, 
Stanislas receives an assurance from Catherine and the Emperor of 
Austria that they would not make the proposed changes in the 



(1) Oczakow, Otshakov, or Oczakow (Lat. Axiaca), now a Sea- Port Town of 
S. Russia, on the Black Sea, at the mouth of the Dneiper, 40 m. E.N.E. 
Odessa. 

(2) Ismail, now a Town of Russia, in Bessarabia, on the Kilia or N. arm of 
the Danube, 40 m. E. Galatz. 



B.EMAHKS. 



xix 



Constitution the excuse for another invasion. In August 1787, 
Catherine, at war with Turkey, suggests an offensive and defensive 
alliance with Poland, which is referred to the Diet. Frederick 
William, successor to Frederick the Great, plots with England, 
Holland, and Sweden, against Russia and Austria. Frederick 
pretends to the Poles that he is in favour of the change in the Con- 
stitution, for the purpose of detaching them from Russia, On the 
30th of September, 1788, the Constitutional Diet is convoked and 
confederated. On the 12th of October, the Prussian Minister 
protests against the Polish league with Russia against Turkey, and 
offers the alliance of Prussia in its room. The Diet replies that they 
had no intention of entering into any such alliance with Russia. 
The Diet, proceeding in their work of reform, Decree an increase 
to the Army of 100,000 men, demanding at the same time that all 
Russian troops should quit the Kingdom. The Russian Minister 
protests, adding, that he " must regard the least change in the 
Constitution" {Partition Constitution !) "of 1775 as a violation of 
the Treaties." The Prussian Minister, on the other hand, assures 
the Patriots of Frederick William's good intentions! On the loth 
of March, 1790, an alliance with Prussia is Decreed by the Consti- 
tutional Diet. Frederick William insists that Thorn and Dantzig 
must be the price of a Commercial Treaty with the Patriots. The 
Diet, in January 1791, Decree that "no portion of the States of 
the Republic was ever to be alienated." In April 1791, the towns 
are admitted by the Diet to the elective franchise, &c. 

The 3rd of May, 1791, was that ever-memorable and glorious day 
when the New Constitution rose into life. Europe awoke from 
its apathetic trance, and hailed the Era of bright Freedom's Birth ! 
" It is a work," said Fox, " in which every friend to reasonable 
liberty must be sincerely interested." " Humanity," exclaimed 
Burke, " must rejoice and glory when it considers the change in 
Poland!" On the 23rd of May, Frederick William writes to 
Stanislas an hypocritical approval of the change. The reform, 
however, so gloriously begun by Stanislas, is exposed to clanger by 
the shaken resolution of that Monarch, which now gives place to 
low and servile fears ! On the 27th of July, 1790, a Treaty of Peace 
was signed at Reichenbach. This Treaty had a most important 
influence on European politics. Poland, the centre of the 
Triumvirate intrigues, by sad experience feels their sting. On the 



XX 



KEMA&KS. 



14th of August, 1790, Russia concludes a peace with Sweden. On 
the 14th of August Catherine makes peace with the Porte at Jassy (1). 
The French Revolution breaking out at this time decides the fate of 
Poland by drawing the Triumvirate bond in closer union. Frederick 
William, the nominal ally of the Poles, now shows the cloven foot 
of Treachery ! Catherine, chief of the Triumvirate, makes private 
and separate arrangements with her co-partners as to not opposing 
her designs on Poland. In April 1792, the Deputation for 
the management of foreign affairs laid an official notice before 
the Diet, having reference to the hostile preparations of Russia. 
The Diet, not to be intimidated, continues to reform ; but there are 
those among the recusant nobles opposed to reform, and who, on 
the 14th of May, 1792, sign an Act of Confederacy at Takgowica 
in the Russian interest. On the 31st of May, Frederick William 
writes a letter to Stanislas, in which is portrayed the Prussian 
Monarch's real character of duplicity. On the 18th of May, 
80,000 Russian troops of the line and 20,000 Cossacks are ordered 
into Poland. The Polish Army was in three divisions : — one under 
Joseph Poniatoroski, the King's nephew ; the second under Michael 
Wielkoski ; and the third under the glorious and immortal Kosciusko. 
The wavering policy of Stanislas now manifests itself, when at a 
council of war he orders Joseph Poniatowski to retire towards the 
River Bug (2), in order to concentrate the forces about Warsaw. 
Several battles with the Russians take place, in which the Poles 
under Kosciusko had always the advantage. On the 18th of June, 
1792, Kosciusko won a brilliant victory at Zielence; andMokranowski 
distinguished himself at the head of the cavalry at Poltuna. At 
the battle of Dubienka, the most decisive engagement, led on by 
Kosciusko, the Patriots repelled the enemy, although three times 
their number. The bravery and prudence of Kosciusko on this 
day earned for him the admiration of his countrymen. The timid 
Stanislas gave similar orders of concentration to the army in 
Lithuania, whereby the Russians advanced unopposed. On the 
23rd of July, 1792, the irresolute Stanislas joins the traitorous and 
more than s<??«j-Russian Confederacy of Targowica, and signs the 



(1) Jassy, or Yassy, cap. Town of Moldavia, on the Pruth, 200 m. N.X.E. 
Bucharest. 

(2) Bug (or Bog), two Rivers of Russian Poland ; rises in Galicia ; joins the 
Vistula 18 m. N.W. Warsaw, atter a course of 300 m. 



EEMA.EKS. 



XXI 



Act of the Confederacy, placing Poland once move in the hands of the 
Russians. The Patriot officers are discharged, the army disbanded, 
and the people compelled to acknowledge the Confederation and 
declare against the Constitutional Diet as Despotic. Early in 1793 
the Prussians enter Poland, when the Confederates look to Russia 
to interpose. On the 3rd of February, 1793, some of the Confede- 
rates who were not of the sycophants of Catherine repent their 
rashness, when they issue a protestation against the Prussian 
invasion. On the 25th of March, 1793, Frederick William issues a 
manifesto, intimating his intention of seizing Great Poland. 

Sievers, the Russian Minister, by the orders of Catherine, connives 
with the Prussian Minister Bucholz as to a further Paetition or 
Dismemberment of Poland ! and on the 9th of April, 1793, those 
Ministers present to the Commissioners of the Confederates of 
Targowica, sitting at Grodno, a declaration involving the destiny 
of Poland. Sievers and Bucholz stated that they had the consent 
of Austria to limit the extent of Poland, and call upon the Poles to 
accede to this arrangement. The opposition of the Confederates is 
overcome. The Russian and Prussian Ministers force the Confede- 
rates to re-establish the Permanent Council of 1775, which was 
repealed by the reformers. On the 11th of May, 1793, Sievers and 
Bucholz compel the Confederacy to pass a Preliminary Law, called 
Sanc/ttim, in order to insure for the Triumvirate Spoliators a tyrant 
majority. It enacted, first, that those should not be eligible who 
had not joined the Confederacy ; secondly, those who had joined the 
Patriotic or New Constitution were not to be admitted. Another 
Sancitum still harsher passed. To carry out these Laws Russian 
Troops were ready at a moment's notice. Sievers calls upon the 
Confederates to sign the Treaty of Partition by the 17th of July. 
The motion was carried by a tyrant majority of 73 to 20. On the 
23rd of July, 1793, the barbarous Treaty, as a matter of course, 
was signed. The tyranny of Sievers now manifests itself with 
redoubled cruelty, when the Treaty oe Partition is further 
ratified on the 5th of September, 1793. The majority of the 
Confederacy, under Muscovite influence, confiscates, plunders, and 
tyrannises ; surpassing even Russia in the enormity of their crimes ! 
But they meet with the reward of their aecur.-ed labours ; having 
carried out the wishes of the Tyrant Catherine, who, no longer re- 
quiring their assistance, throws them off, and directs this traitorous 



xxii 



REMARKS.. 



Confederacy of Targowica to be dissolved ! On the 23d of November, 
1793, the Concession of the Diet of the glorious Constitution takes 
place, the Confederacy of Targowica having paved the way for its 
downfall ! 

We now come to the §>ec©is«I ^Partition or Bi§mem- 
bermeait &f Poland ! The Triumvirate Spoliators having, 
as before stated, seized in 1773 of the then territory one-third, on the 
Second Partition, towards the close of 1793, two of them seize about 
one-half of the remaining portion ; — Catherine extending her portion 
of the spoil to Central Lithuania and Volhynia ; Frederick William 
taking as his share the remainder of Great and a portion of Little 
Poland. Stanislas had the remnant of his shattered Kingdom 
secured to him under the old laws ! 

We now find the Polish Patriots as Refugees at Leipzig, of whom 
the most prominent are — the noble Kosciusko, Dzialinski, Kollontay, 
Mostowski, Malachowski, and Potocki. They there await, with 
anxious minds and throbbing hearts, the favoured moment of their 
Country's Call ! Their Brother Patriots in Poland are not long in 
sending for their aid. A Patriotic Conspiracy is formed at Warsaw. 
Their plans, assisted by a general agency throughout the Kingdom, 
are nearly matured ; but Igolstrum, the Russian Minister and 
successor of Sievers, being invested with absolute power, demands 
the redaction of the Polish Army of 30,000 men to 15,000. The 
Permanent or Partition Council of 1775 issues the orders of this 
Minister, which serve as the signal or give the impetus for Patriotic 
action ! On the 15th of March, 1794, Madalinski, stationed at 
Pultusk (1) with 700 cavalry, refuses to disband. He now traverses 
the Prussian territory, levying contributions and making many pri- 
soners, and proceeds to Cracow. Kosciusko hastens from Saxony; 
and on the night of the 23rd of March enters Cracow, where 
Wodzicki, at the head of a body of troops, is stationed to receive 
him. On the 24th of March, 1794, Kosciusko, by virtue of a Deed 
of Insurrection, is appointed " Dictator and Generalissimo of 
Poland." 

The 12th of February, 1746, was the day that smiled upon the 
Birth of Thadeus Kosciusko, born of a noble Lithuanian family. 
As he advanced to early manhood, his heart became enamoured 



(1) Pultusk, or Pultowsb, a Town of Poland, 60 m. E.N.E. Plock. 



REMARKS. 



xxiii 



with the charms of a lovely maid, the daughter of the Marshal of 
Lithuania. But the ardent hopes of this noble lover were doomed 
to disappointment ! When in happy converse they would meet, 
Kosciusko beholding in this Patriotic maid a sentiment so congenial 
with his own— a love of country !— that the too susceptible heart of 
the noble Patriot dreamt that he saw another charm concealed 
within her breast : but, alas ! his fond and cherished hopes were 
blighted ! her heart was not attuned to his in this respect ; his 
vision of connubial bliss had vanished ; her love was not reciprocal 
with Kosciusko's, when Prince Lubomirski became the accepted 
suitor. To banish the grief he felt, and to forget the love he formed, 
he repairs to France. He returns again to Poland ; after which we 
find him in America, fighting in the ranks of Washington and Gates. 
Kosciusko, again in Poland, now holds (by the appointment of the 
Diet) the rank of Major- General in the campaign of 1792. 

On the 4th of April, 1794, the memorable battle of Eaclawice was 
fought, which lasted five hours, when 4,000 Poles, with Kosciusko 
at their head, -gained the glorious day. On that occasion 3,000 
Russians are killed, and many prisoners captured ; eleven cannon 
together with a standard taken. 

Igolstrum directs Stanislas to issue a proclamation denouncing 
the Patriots. On the 16th of April, 1794, Igolstrum sends a 
Letter (1) to the Minister of War at St. Petersburg, which portrays 
the apprehensions of that Minister On the tame day Igolstrum 
directs the Permanent (or Partition) Council of 1775 to cause the 
arrest of twenty of the most distinguished persons whom he named : 
at the same time he commands the Grand General to disarm the 
Polish Gairison at Warsaw. The 18th of April, the Festival of 
Easter Eve, was the day fixed upon to carry out this treacherous 
plot, when the inhabitants would be at mass. Kalinski, an inha- 
bitant of Warsaw, fortunately discovers the plan, and informs the 
Patriots that Russians, in Polish uniforms, were to compose the 
guards which on such occasions are stationed at the churches. On 
the 17 th of April the Patriots, anticipating the evil intentions of 
their opponents, cause an Insurrection. At 4 o'clock in the 
morning a body of Patriots attack the Russian guards and seize the 
Arsenal and Powder Magazine, and arm the inhabitants. For two 



(1) See Act i. Sc. iv. page 23. 



XXIV 



days a bloody encounter takes place ; and although the Kussians 
are far superior in numbers, being 8,000 strong, the Patriots are 
victorious, when they expel the remnant of the Muscovites after 
killing 2,200 and making 2,000 prisoners. On the 23rd of April, 
1794, Jasinski attacks the Kussians at Wilna, and, after another 
bloody encounter, the Patriots obtain possession of the place. The 
Prussians, 40,000 strong, headed by Frederick William, join the 
Russians near Szczekocing (1). 

In ignorance of the junction formed between the Russian troops, 
Kosciusko marches to the relief of Cracow at the head of 16,000 
regulars and 10,000 peasants ; the combined forces of the allies out- 
numbering the Patriots by 30,000 men. On the 6th of June, 1794, 
the battle of Szczekocing takes place, when, after some hours' 
cannonade, the Poles make good their retreat with the loss of 1,000 
men. On the 9th of June the Patriots suffer at Chelm. On the 
15th of June the Russian and Prussian forces take Cracow, On 
the 27th of June barbarities are enacted at Warsaw by reason of 
some evil-inclined and seditious persons incit ing the minds of the 
rabble, who break open the jails and massacre a great number of the 
prisoners. Kosciusko signs the death-warrant ordering the ring- 
leaders to be hung. On the 13th of June the Austrians march an 
Army into Little Poland. Kosciusko encamps at Wola. The 
King of Prussia invests Warsaw. The Prussians and Russians, 
50,000 strong, encamp near Wola. On the 27th of July, 1794, one 
of a series of combats takes place, — repeated on the 1st and 3rd of 
August, when the Prussians attempt to bombard Warsaw. Dom- 
browski successful in some late skirmishes with the Ru-sians at 
Czerniakow (2) ; again attacks them, but is obliged to retire. Many 
warm encounters take place, when Dombrowski, Prince Joseph, 
Poniatowski, and several others bravely, distinguish themselves. 
On the night of the 28th of August the hottest encounter took 
place, in which Dombrowski was attacked at the same time as 
Zajonezek was marching against the Prussians, when the heroic 
valour of the Pole3 surmounted all obstacles. On the 5th of 
September, 40,000 Prussians (3) make a sudden retreat towards the 



(1) Szczekociny, or Szczuczin, a Town of Poland, 35 m. S.W. Aiigustowo. 

(2) Czerniakow, or Czerniejevo, a Town of Prussia Poland, 10 m. S.W. 
Gnesen. 

(3) See Letter to Kosciusko from Dombrowski, Act iv. Sc. i. p. 67. 



REMARKS. 



XXV 



Polish Provinces recently annexed to Prussia, in order to put down 
an insurrectionary movement that had taken place there. The 
Insurgent Chiefs in Great Poland, — Mniewski, Castellan of 
Kuinewia, &c— communicate with their Brother Patriots. For five 
months they form magazines of arms and ammunition in some 
secluded woods. On the 23rd of August, 1794, a body of these 
Patriots assembled in a wood near Sieradz (1) , attacked the Prussian 
guards, and took the town. On the 25th of August, Mniewski, 
with a company of resolute Patriots, march to Wloclawek (2), where 
they capture thirteen Prussian barques laden with ammunition for 
the siege of Warsaw. The glorious rays of Patriotism rekindle the 
ardour of the Dantzites and Brethren of Silesia. Dombrowski sent 
by Kosciusko to aid the insurgents, and, after many encounters 
with the enemy, succeeds, by the 15th of September, 1794, in 
regaining Great Poland. 

Alas ! the Sun of Freedom has begun to set in Lithuania. On 
the 12th of August, Wilna was taken by the Russians with an 
overwhelming force ! the remainder of the Province shortly after 
witnessing the same disasters. Suwarrow, directed by the rapacious 
Catherine to annihilate the Revolution, marches from the frontiers 
of Turkey towards Warsaw. On the 16th of September, Suwarrow 
attacks a body of the Patriots at the village of Krupczyce, and 
drives them on to Brzesclitewski. The engagement is renewed on 
the following day, when the Patriots are overwhelmed by the com- 
pact masses of the enemy. This last defeat opens the road to 
Warsaw. Kosciusko advances to the aid of the flying army. When 
at Grodno (3), Kosciusko appoints Mokranowski to the command 
of the Lithuanian army. Kosciusko hastens to prevent the junction 
of Suwarrow and Ferzen. 

On the 10th of October, 1794, the Battle of Macieiowice (4), the 
last in the brilliant career of Kosciusko, takes place. Though a sad 
and fatal day for Poland, still it was a day on which a glorious and 
immortal effort was made to stem the rapid torrent of invasion! 
The Battle was long, fierce, and bloody ! Victory held its doubtful 



(1) Sieradz, a Town of Poland, on the Warta, 32 m. E S.E. Kalice. 

(2) YMoclawek, a Town of Poland, on the Vistula, 30 m. N.W. Plock. 

(3) Grodno, a Town of Russia, on the right bank of the Niemen, 90 in. 
S.S.W. Vilna. 

(4) Macieiowice, a Town of Poland, on the Vistula, 45 m. S. W. Siedlec 

C 



xx vi 



REMARKS. 



reign for many an hour. The Traitor Poninski ! with the expected 
troops had not airived! Kosciusko finds himself betrayed! A 
hurried Council of War assembles, at which Madalinski and 
Kosciusko are agreed upon forming a Forlorn Hope ! when with a 
last great effort to turn the adverse front of battle, Kosciusko, joined 
by bis general officers, dashes onward through the thickest of the 
fight ; and after cutting through column after column of the enemies' 
ranks, and at length overwhelmed by increasing numbers and loss of 
blood, Kosciusko falls, in defence of his Country, pierced and covered 
with vjounds ! 

On the 4th of November, 1794, after an obstinate and heroic 
resistance on behalf of the besieged, when 8,000 Poles perish sword 
in hand, Suwarrow takes Praga, and butchers the peaceful inhabi- 
tants, — including men, women, and children, — to the number of 
12,000! On the 6th of November, Warsaw, weakened, capitulates. 
The Prisoners taken by the Russians are confined in the jails of 
St. Petersburg, or driven to Siberia. The Prisoners taken by the 
Prussians are doomed to pine away in the fortresses of G-logan (1). 
And Austria entombs the Patriots in the dungeons of Ohnutz ! (2) 

On the 24th October, 1795, the Treaty for the Third Par- 
tition of Poland was concluded, but not finally arranged 
between Austria and Prussia until the 21st of October, 1796. By 
this Partition, Russia seizes the remainder of Lithuania, Samagotia, 
and Chelm, tothe right of the River Bug, and the rest of Wolhynia. 
Austria seizes the Palatinates of Cracow, Sandomir, and Lublin, with 
a portion of Chelm and parts of the Palatinates of Masovia, Brzesc, 
and Polachia, on the left bank of the Bug. Prussia has the parts 
of Polachia and Masovia on the right bank of the Bug ; part of the 
Palatinate of Samogitia and Troki on the Niemen ; and a district of 
Little Poland. The Rivers Yistula (3), Niemen (4), Bug, and 
Pilica (5), form the lines of demarcation by which we ascertain the 
respective possessions of the Triumvirate Spoliators at that period. 



(1) Glogan, Glogau, or Gross-Glogau, a strongly fortified Town of Prussian 
Silesia, 35 m. N.N.W. Leignitz, on the River Oder. 

(2) Olmutz (Moravian, Holomauc), a strongly fortified City of Moravia, on 
the River March, 40 m. N.E. Brum. 

(3) Vistula (Germ. Weichsel), an European River, rises in the Carpathian 
mountains, and after a course of 530 m., traversing Poland and W. Prussia, 
enters the Baltic. 

(4) Niemen, or Memel, a River of Russian Poland, rises in Minsk, and, 
after a course of 400 m., enters the Baltic 30 m. W. Tilsit. 

(5) Pilica, a branch of the Vistula. 



&EMAEKS. 



xxvii 



On the 28th of November, 1794, Stanislas Augustus Poniatowski, 
the last of Poland's Kings, is forced by the Russian Ambassador at 
G-rodno to sign a Deed of Abdication, when Catherine grants him a 
pension of 200,000 ducats. 

Catherine now directs her thoughts against Republican France in 
league with Grustavus III. of Sweden ; but that Monarch's death 
interrupted her plans of invasion. Catherine joins the English 
against the French with eight frigates and twelve old ships of the 
line. She now turns to the East, invading Persia in the Province 
of Daghestan (1) . She next turns her attention to another plan for 
invading the Turkish Empire. By recent Treaties with Austria 
and England these Powers engage with Russia to aid her projects 
against Turkey, on the proviso that Catherine joins them against 
France. 

i On the 16th of November, 1796, Catherine, after a struggle with 
her wicked conscience, when she is supposed to have beheld a vision 
portraying the pallid and agonised features of her murdered husband, 
departs this life, with a Tyrant's death-shriek, in an apoplectic fit ! 

Catherine is succeeded by her son, Paul I. England joins Paul 
in a coalition against France. The Russian army, 50,000 strong, 
headed by Suwarrow, marches from G-allicia against the French. 
The Austro-Russian army obtain a victory against the French at 
Verona (2). The French, under Moreau, are again beaten at 
Cassano (3). On the 8th of September, 1798, the Austro -Russian 
army are defeated at Bassagnano (4). Suwarrow marches on 
Turin (5). On the 19th of June, 1799, the French, under Macdonald, 
are defeated at the battle of Trebia (6) by the Austro-Russian army 
after a sanguinary encounter of two days' duration. The Tuscans 
and Ligurians join the Austrians and Russians against the French, 
as also the Piedmontese and Lombards. The French, under the 
young Joubert, are beaten, but afterwards they commit a frightful 
havoc of the Russians! No less than four armies proceed from 



(1) Daghestan, now a Province of Russia, extends along- the W. coast of the 
Caspian Sea, lat. 41° and 43° N., Ion. 46° and 50°. 

(2) Verona, a fortified City of Austrian Italy, gov. Venice, on the River 
Adige, 22 m. N.N.E Mantua. 

(3) Cassano comprises several Villages in N. Italy, 23 m. N.W. Milan. 

(4) Bassasno, or Bassano, a Town of Italy, 19 m. N.E. of Vicenza. 

(5) Turin (Ital. Turina ; anc. Augusta, Turinorumj, a Town of N. Italy, 
Piedmont, on the left bank of the River Po, 79 m. W.S.W. of Milan. 

(6) Trebia, a large Plain on the banks of a river of the same name, which 
rises on the N. side of the Apennines, 10 m. N.E. Genoa. 



xxviii 



Asia to subjugate France. The Austrians defeat Jourdari at 
Ostrach. Massena retreats and crosses the Limmat (1). The 
Austrians seize Zurich (2). On the 26th of August, the ever- 
memorable battle of Zurich is fought, when the gallant soldiers of 
the French Republic defeat the Russians and Austrians under their 
immortal General Massena. The Russians under Suwarrow are 
defeated at the battle of Dissenhofen, when they are obliged to 
retreat with the small remnant (12,000) of their large army. The 
Emperor Paul becomes enraged at the total defeat of his armies 
by the French. On the 14th of June, 1800, Napoleon defeats the 
Austrians at the memorable battle of Marengo (3). Paul, after the 
decisive battle of Marengo, becomes an admirer of Napoleon. A 
Treaty of armed neutrality is signed between Russia and Sweden. 
In 1801 , theTreaty of Luneville (4) takes place between Napoleon and 
the Emperor of Austria. It was after this treaty that the English 
Minister Pitt resigned. Paul I. now prepares on a large scale to 
attack British India (5) in Asia, and takes the route through Persia 
for obtaining the object of his ambitious designs, when the assassin's 
hand puts an end to this daring project. At the hour of half-past 
eleven o'clock, on the night of the 24th of March, 1801, Paul I., 
Emperor of all the Russias, was strangled by several conspirators in 
the Palace of St. Michael, Petersburg. 

We will now retrace our steps, and take a glance at Poland after 
its Fall in 1794. The Patriots who were fortunate enough to escape 
the Triumvirate Gaolers repaired to Paris and Yenice, where the 
French Directory promise them assistance. On the 5th of April, 
1795, a Treaty took place between France and Prussia at Bale (6) 
which shook the confidence of the Polish Patriots. They were 
satisfied, however, when they were informed that there was no men- 
tion made of Poland in the Treaty. A Polish Confederacy is formed 
in Paris under Francis Barss, the Polish agent ; and a corresponding 



(1) Limmat, a River of Switzerland, Canton of Zurich, rises in Lake Zurich, 
and continues 18 m., when it joins the Aar, 2 m. E. Bragg 1 . 

(2) Zurich, cap. of the Canton of Zurich (anc. Turicum), on the Limmat^ 
60 m. N.E. Bern. 

(3) Marengo, a Village of Piedmont, 2 m. S.E. Alessandria. 

(4) Luneville, a Town of France, on the Vezouze, 15 m. S.E. Nancry. 

(5) India (British), comprehends, for the most part, the Peninsula deno- 
minated Hindostan ; the British territory into the Presidencies of Bengal, 
Madras, and Bombay; also the Islands of Ceylon, Singapore, and Borneo. 

(6) Bale (Germ. Basle), a City in the N. of Switzerland, on the Rhine, 43 in, 
N.E. of Bern. 



REMARKS. 



xxix 



one in Venice, under the protection of the French ambassador. 
Oginski repairs to Constantinople from Paris, to negotiate with the 
Ottoman Court on behalf of the Polish Patriots. The plan of the 
negotiation not meeting with success, the Polish Confederacy in 
Wallachia is dissolved. The Emperor Paul I., on .his accession, 
liberates the Polish captives. Prussia, since the Treaty of Bale, 
liberates her captives. Austria, however, is hardened against this 
act of clemency. In September 1796, Dombrowski in Paris lays a 
plan before the Directory for forming the memorable Polish 
Legion, in union with France, against Russia and Austria in Italy. 
On the 7th of January, 1797, Buonaparte signs an Agreement at 
Milan (1) with the Provisional Government in reference to taking 
the Polish Legions into pay, when they are engaged in Lombardy (2) 
and Rome. On the 18th of April, 1797, a Treaty of Peace is con- 
cluded between France and Austria at Leoben (3), which serves as 
another cause for Polish misgivings. On the 17th of October, 1797, 
another Treaty was signed, at Camp-Formio (4), between the French 
and Austrians, which was another sad blow to the Poles. On the 
3rd of May, 1799, the First Polish Legion enters Eome. On the 
28th of July, the Second Polish Legion were defeated by the united 
Austro-Russian forces. On the 15th of August, 1799, the Polish 
Legion suffered great loss at the battle of Novi (5). 

On the 11th of November, 1799, Buonaparte is raised to the 
Consulship of France. Dombrowski repairs to France, and forms 
seven new battalions of the Polish Legions. On the 3rd of 
December, 1800, the memorable battle of Hohenlinden (6) is fought 
by the French, under Moreau, against the Austrians, when a brilliant 
victory is obtained by the former, owing, in a great measure, to the 
gallant fighting of the Polish Legion under General Kniaziewiez. 

On the 24th of March, 1801, Alexander I., eldest son of Paul I., 
ascended the throne of all the Russias. Buonaparte declares war 



(1) Milan (Ital. Milano, Germ. Mailand. anc. Mediolanum), a City of 
Austrian Italy, cap. of the Lombardo Venetian Kingdom, lat. 45° 28' 1" N., 
Ion. 9° 11' 20" E. 

(2) Lombardy forms the W. part of the Lombardo Venetian Kingdom, E. 
part of Medmont, and the Duchies of Parma and Modena. 

(3) Leoben, a Town of Austria, Styria, 9 m. W.S.W. Briick on the Mur. 
(4i Camp-Formio for Campo-Formio), a Village of N. Italy, 7 m. S.W. 

Udine. 

(5) Novi, forming three towns at the foot of the Apennines, in the plain of 
Marengo, 14 m. S.E. Alessandria. • 

(6) Hohenlinden, a Village of Upper Bavaria, 20 m. E. Munich. 

C 2 



XXX 



EE MARKS. 



against Prussia. On the 14th of October, 1806, the battle of 
Jena (1) is fought, when Napoleon's grand army entirely routed 
the Prussians, and at which battle the Duke of Brunswick, on the 
Prussian side, fell. The French occupy Berlin. The Poles drive 
the Prussians from Kalisz and other forts. On the 16th of 
November, 1806, Dombrowski forms four regiments at Posen. The 
Russian General Benningen is compelled to retreat from Prussian 
Poland. On the 28th of November, 1806, the French, under 
Murat, enter Warsaw. On the 18th of December, Napoleon enters 
Warsaw. He defeats the Russians at Pultusk and Golymin. On 
the 14th of J une, 1807, Napoleon defeats the Russians and Prussians 
at the sanguinary battle of Friedland (2). On the 7th of July, 
1807, the remarkable Treaty of Tilsit (3) is concluded between 
Finance, Russia, and Prussia, when a great portion of Prussian 
Poland under said Treaty is declared Independent, under the 
denomination of the Grand Duchy of Warsaw, comprising 1,800 
square leagues. Frederick Augustus, the Elector of Saxony, whom 
Napoleon made King of Saxony, on the 11th of December, 1806, is 
appointed by him the Grand Duke of Warsaw. On the 22nd of 
July, 1807, Napoleon approves of the Code regulating the New 
Constitution. On the 10th of March, 1809, the first Diet of the 
New Constitution is held. On the 6th of April, 1809, Austria 
declares war against France. On the 20th of April the Austrians, 
30,000 strong, defeat Prince Poniatowski with only 10,000 men at 
Raszyn, when they enter Warsaw with the Arehdude Ferdinand at 
their head. Prince Poniatowski invades Gallicia or Austrian Poland, 
On the 14th of May, 1809, he marches into Lublin ; and on the 
19th of May takes Sandomir by assault. On the 24th of May the 
Poles enter Leopol, when they are met by the people as deliverers 
with tears of joy. All Gallicia is now up in arms against their 
oppressors I On the 14th of May, Dombrowski defeats the 
Austrians at Thorn. On the night of the 1st of June the Austrians 
retreat. On the 16th of July, a great part of Gallicia is added to 
the Grand Duchy of Warsaw. On the 14th of October, another 



(1) Jena, a Town of Central Germany, Duchy of Saxe- Weimar, on the 
Saale, 12 m. E.S.E. Weimar. 

(2) Friedland, a Village of E. Prussia, 27 m. S.E. K5ni£sberg. 

(3) Tilsit, a Town of E. Prussia, on the Niemen, or Memel, 60 m. N.E. 
Konigsberg-. 



REIT AUKS 



xxxi 



Treaty of Peace was signed at Vienna between Austria and France, 
which is the cause of fresh misgivings on the part of the Poles. 

On the 14th of March, 1812, a Treaty is signed at "Vienna between 
Napoleon and the EnJperor of Austria, in reference to Gallicia in 
Poland. Alexander I. acts with clemency towards the Lithuanians, 
and promises them certain rights and privileges which were never 
realised I On the 26th of June, 1812, Prince Adam Czartoryslri is 
nominated Marshal by the Diet of Warsaw ; and on the same day 
Napoleon enters Wilna, on his way to Moscow, when he gives an 
evasive reply to the Polish deputation that waited upon him to 
ascertain more fully his views in reference to Poland. On the 
15th of August, 1812, a Confederacy is formed at Wilna, under 
Napoleon's direction, independent of the Duchy of Warsaw. On 
the 7th of September, 1812, Napoleon gained a great victory over 
the Russians at Borodino (1), which is generally called the battle of 
Moskwa. The French then enter Moscow (2), which is set on fire 
by direction of the Russian General, when the French are obliged 
to make a disastrous retreat. On the 3rd of December, 1812, 
Buonaparte deserts his sadly depopulated army, and proceeds to 
Warsaw, and from thence to Paris. On the 10th of December, 
1812, the Russians enter Wilna and Warsaw. On the 20th of 
December, the Diet of Warsaw give the office of Commander-in- 
Chief of the Polish army to Prince Joseph Poniatowski. Out of 
the 70,000 Poles that joined the French in the invasion of Russia 
there is still a remnant of 22,000. On the 7th of February, 1813, 
Prince Poniatowski leaves Warsaw with his army, and marches for 
Cracow. On the 18th of April, 1813, Buonaparte, in Saxony, is 
prepared for battle. On the 10th of June, 1813, Prince Poniatowski's 
army joins Buonaparte at Zittau (3). On the 26th and 27th 
of August, 1813, Napoleon defeats the Allies under the walls of 
Dresden (4). On the 16th and 18th of October, the Allies defeat 
the French at the battle of Leipzig (5). Prince Poniatowski, when 



(1 ) Borodino, a Village of Russia, on the River Kologa, 75 m . W. S. W. Moscow. 

(2) Moscow (Russ. Moskwa), the ancient Capital of Russia, on the River 
Moskwa, 397 m. S.E. St. Petersburg, lat. 55° 45' 13" N., Ion. 37° 37' 54" E. 
Moscow was founded in the 12th century, and, after it was set on fire in 1812, 
has been since rebuilt on a more regular plan. 

(3; Zittau, a Town of Saxony, on the River Mandau, 26 m. S.E. Bautzen. 

(4) Dresden, the Capital of Saxony, on the Elbe, 61 ni. E.S.E. Leipzig, and 
100 m. S.S.E. Berlin. 

(5) Leipzig, or Leipsic, the second City of Saxony, on the River White 
Elster, 18 m. S.E. Halle. Leipsic is the celebrated Germanic book emporium. 



REMARKS. 



retreating with the French, is unfortunately drowned in the River 
Pleisse (1). On the 30th of October, 1813, the French under 
Napoleon, in concert with the remnant of the Polish Legion, are 
victorious at the battle of Hanau (2). Th# Polish Legions follow 
Napoleon to France, who, at the Treaty of Fontainebleau (3) in 1814, 
abdicates. On the 25th of August, 1814, Dombrowski leaves France 
for Posen. The Emperor Alexander raises his brother, the Grand 
Duke Constantine, to the rank of Commander-in-Chief of the Polish 
Legions. On the 3rd of May, 1815, the Congress of "Vienna was 
held, which declared the Duchy of Warsaw should be formed into 
a Kingdom in union with the Russian Empire, having however a 
Separate Constitution. By said Treaty Eastern Gallicia was ceded 
to Austria, — the territory of Cracow to have a Separate Constitution. 
.Prussia's share was under the Grand Duchy of Posnania. Alexander 
issues a Proclamation on the 25th of May, and is proclaimed King 
of Poland at Warsaw on the 20th of June, 1815. Alexander arrives 
at Warsaw in November 1815 ; and on the 24th of December the 
New Constitution is established. However, Lithuania, Posnania, 
Cracow, and Gallicia, received no benefit or participation in this 
beneficial change in the Duchy of Warsaw, although the Treaty 
op Vienna held out certain promises which were never pul- 
filled ! On the 15th March, 1818, the first Diet of the Constitution 
was held. On the 31st of July, 1819, certain innovations take place 
contrary to the spirit of the New Constitution, when, among other 
encroachments of Russian authority, the Suppression of the Press ! 
is the most formidable. Among other additions to the Russian 
territory in Asia which take place during Alexander's reign, the 
most important was that of Georgia (4) in 1802, and Mingrelia (5) 
and Imiritia (6) in 1804; and in the North of Europe he made 



(1) Pleisse, a River of Saxony, forming' a junction at Leipzig with the 
White Elster. 

(2) Hanau, a Town of Germany, province of Hessen-Cassel, on the Kinzig, 
86 m. S.S.W. Cassel. 

(3) Fontainebleau, a Town of France, surrounded by a magnificent forest, 
35 m. S.S.E. Paris 

(4) Georgia, or G.'usia, a Country belonging- to Russia, in the Caucasus, 
W. Asia, comprising the Western and Central portion of Transcaucasia, 
between lat. 40° and 42° 30' N., and Ion. 43° and 47° K. ; area, 21,500 sq. m. 

(5) Mingrelia, a Province of Asiatic Russia, bounded on the N. bv the 
Caucasus, on the E. by Imertia, on the S. by Guirse, and on the W. by the 
Euxine. 

(6) Imiritia, a Province of Asiatic Russia, Transcaucasia, bounded on the 
N. by the Caucasus mountains, on the E. by Georgia, on the W. by Mingrelia 
and Guriel, and on the S. by Akalzikh. 



REMARKS. 



xxxiii 



further aggressions in Finland in 1808. On the 1st of December, 

1825, Alexander I. departs this life. After an interregnum of some 
months, Nicholas, the bother of Alexander, on the 3rd of December, 

1826, is crowned Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias. 
Nicholas now commences an Asiatic war, and under General 
Madatoff routes the Persians on the Banks of the River Shamkora, 
when Elizabetopol (1) is retaken by the Russians ; the Persians 
retreating over the Araxes (2). Hostilities recommenced in the 
beginning of 1827, when Erivan (3) was taken by the Russians 
under Prince Paskiewitch. On the 20th of October, 1827, the 
combined fleets of Russia, France, and England obtained a victory 
over the Turkish and Egyptian fleets at the battle of Navarino (4). 
Prince Paskiewitch marches to Teheran (5), when a Treaty of Peace 
is entered into with Persia, at Turcomanchai, in February 1828. By 
this Treaty it was agreed that the River Aras should be the line of 
demarcation between the territories of Russia and Persia. The 
important territories of Nukhchivan and Erivan, which were taken 
by the Russians in 1827, were confirmed to them by said Treaty, a3 
also the Provinces of Moghan and Talish (6), &c. Persia, by this 
Treaty, had to give up her navy in the Caspian Sea, besides paying 
the whole expenses of the war. 

On the 4th of April, 1828, Russia declares war against Turkey, 
on the ground, as stated in the manifesto issued by Nicholas, of the 
Turkish violation of the Treaty of Akerman (7), which was entered 
into in April 1826. Said manifesto also asserts further infractions 
of the Ottomans, in reference to the Treaties of the 28th of May, 
1812, and 1783, — one of peace, and the other of commerce, — and 
other excuses to justify the aggkessive character of Russia. The 
Russian invasion of Wallachia and Moldavia takes place. The 



(1) Elizabetopol, or Gaujeh, a fortified Town of Georgia, 90 m. S.E. Teflis. 

(2) Araxes, or Aras, a River of Armenia, rises in Erzeroum, near lat. 
40° 30' N., and Ion. 41° 10' E., divides the territories of Russia and Persia, 
and, after a rapid course of 500 m., flows into the Caspian Sea. 

(3) Erivan, a fortified Town of Russian Armenia, on the Zengui, 115 m 
S.S.W. Tefiis. 

(4) Navarino, or Navarin, a fortified Sea Port Town of Greece, Morea, gov. 
Pylos, on a Mediterranean bay, 6 m. N. Modon. 

(5) Teheran, or Tehran, the Capital of Persia, 70 m. S. of the Caspian Sea, 
and 210 m. N. of Ispakan, lat. 35° 42' N. s Ion. 51° 20' 50" E. 

(6) Talish, an Asiatic Province of Russia, lat 38° and 39° N., and Ion. 48° 
and 49° E. 

<7) Akerman, Tyras, a fortified Town of Russia, in the Province of Bessa- 
rabia, on the Dniester, 20 m. S.W. Odessa, lat, 46° 11' 51" N., Ion. 30° 21' 52" E. 



xxxiv 



REMARKS, 



Danube and Pruth are crossed ; Bucharest (1) and Jassy captured ; 
Brahilov (2), after a valiant resistance on behalf of the Turks, 
was captured by the Eussians in the month of June 1828 ; and 
Shumla (3) was invested, but without success. Tarna (4) was 
taken in October 1828, after a siege of three months. The 
Russians, in Asia, capture Akhalkalaki (5), Kars (6), and the city 
of Akhalzikh (7), &c. In the month of May 1829, Silistria (8) is 
taken by the Russians, who fortify it. The battle of Kulevitch takes 
place, and, after lasting nearly two days, the Russians defeat the 
Turks. The Russians cross the Balken (9). The Russians in Asia 
take Erzeroum (10\ which capitulates on the 27th of June, 1829. 
The Turks by this war lost 130,000 men,— the Russians 80,000. 
On the 24 th of May, 1829, Nicholas is crowned King of Poland at 
Warsaw. On the 20th of August, 1829, Enos (11) is taken by the 
Russians. On the 14th of September, 1829, the Treaty of Andri- 
nople (12) is concluded, by which Nicholas had secured to him 
Anapa (13) and Poti (14), with a considerable extent of coast on the 
Euxine. About this time there was a secret understanding between 
the French Monarch and Nicholas to aid the latter in his designs 
against Turkey by seizing Constantinople. On the 27th of July, 
1830, the Revolution breaks out in Paris, when Charles X. is 



(1) Bucharest, Bukharest, or Bukhore^t, a City of S.E. Europe, cap. of 
Wallachia, lat. 44° 25' 39", Ion. 26° 5' 24" E. 

(2) Brahilov, or Brailoff (Turk. Ihrahil), a Town and Port of Wallachia, on 
the Danube, 130 ra. N.E. Bucharest. 

(3) Shumla (Marcianopolis), a fortified City of European Turkey, 58 m. 
S.S.W. Silistiia. 

(4) Varna (Odessus), afortified Sea Port Town of European Turkey, Bulgaria, 
on the Euxine. lat. 43° 12' 2" N., Ion. 27° 56' 2" E., 47 m. E. of Shumla. 

(5) Akhalkalaki, a Town and Fort of Russian Armenia, 30 m. S.E. Akhal- 
zikin. 

(6) Kars, a City of Asiatic Turkey, 105 m. N E. Erzeroum. 

(7) Akhalzikh, a City of Asiatic Russia, in the Province of Georgia, lat. 
41° 40' N., Ion. 43° 1' E., 103 m. W. Tiflis. 

(8) Silistria (Turk. Dristra). a City of European Turkey in Bulgaria, on the 
Danube, 57 m. N.N.'E. of Shumla. 

(9) Balken, or Balkan (Haemus), an extensive mountain chain of European 
Turkey, extending from the town of Sophia in Bulgaria, Ion. 23° E., to Cape 
Emineh on the Euxine. 

(10) Erzeroum, a Subdivision of Asiatic Turkey, between lat. 39° and 41°, 
and Ion. 39° and 44° E. 

(11) Enos (or Eonos, yEnos), a Sea Port Town of Turkey in Europe, 38 m. 
N.W. Gallipoli, on the yEgean Sea. 

(12) Adrinople(Hadrianopolis), a City of Turkey in Europe, on theTundja, 
lat. 41° 4r 26" N., Ion. 26° 35' 41", 137 in. N.W. Constantinople. 

(13) Anapa, a Sea Port Town and Fortress of Circassia, on the Euxine, lat. 
44° 54' 52" N., Ion. 37° 16' 21" E., 47 m. S.E. Venikale. 

(14) Poti, a Fort of Asiatic Russia, gov. Transcaucasia, on the River Rion, 
near the Euxine. 



jRElTAEES. 



XXXV 



obliged to abdicate, and goes into exile. The barbarities of the 
Grand Duke Constantine, the brother of Nicholas and "viceroy of 
Poland, — together with the many infringements that take place in 
the Xew Constitution, — arouse the indignant spirit of the Poles, 
when a Revolution, encouraged by the Parisian Revolution, breaks 
out in Warsaw on the 29th of November, 1830. The first move 
was the attack made on Constantine's Palace by eighteen students, 
who were unsuccessful in their attempt to seize Constantine : how- 
ever, they attack the barracks in company with the engineers, and, 
after a bloody encounter, are victorious. A national Government 
is formed, at the head of which Prince Adam Czartoryski is nomi- 
nated President. On the 5th of December, 1830, Chlopicki is 
appointed Dictator. On the 24th of December, 1830, Nicholas 
issues a manifesto from St. Petersburg against the Poles. Austria 
and Prussia are up in arms against the Poles. On the 5th of 
January, 1831, the Poles issue a proclamation encouraging the 
Revolution. On the 10th of January they make an open declaration 
of their sufferings, setting forth how the Constitution was infringed 
upon. On the 14th of February, 1831, the Russians are defeated 
by the Patriots at the battle of Praga, with the loss of several 
cannon. On the 19th and 20th of February, 1831, the battle of 
"Wawer takes place, without victory on either side. Skrzynecki 
succeeds Chlopicki in the command of the Polish army. On the 
25th of February, 1831, the battle of Grochow is fought, which 
lasted until night ; and although the Russians received a reinforce- 
ment of 20 ; 000 men, the Poles defeated them in many points on 
this memorable and hard-fought clay. The Poles under Skrynecki 
were victorious in the battles of Igania, Ostrolenka, and Dembe. 
The Polish General Dwernicki was surprised hi a fog by the 
Russians on the banks of the Bug, when his band of Patriots was 
surrounded on all sides by the Russians. General Jankowski was 
defeated by the Russians on the banks of the Vistula. The 
Generalissimo Skrynecki wavers in his plan of action against the 
Russians, and permits them without opposition to cross the Vistula. 
Skrynecki is dismissed, and Dembinski appointed his successor. 
The Russians attacked the fortress of Wola : the Patriots bravely 
defended the place under the valiant Sowinski, when it was at last 
taken. Generals Bern and Malachowski in a gallant manner 
attempted to retake Wola, but were overpowered by numbers of 



BEMAEKS. 



the enemy. After several other sanguinary encounters, the Patriots 
■were compelled to surrender on the 5th of October, 1831. Thus 
ended this glorious effort to obtain the Freedom of Poland. 

On the 30th of August, 1832, by the aggressive policy of Nicholas, 
Greece was separated from Turkey, when it was erected into a 
kingdom dependent on Russia. Otho II., son of the King of 
Bavaria, was proclaimed King. A war between Egypt and Turkey 
takes place by the Pasha Mehemit Ali invading Syria (1). In 1832 
the Turks are defeated at the battles of Beylam, Aleppo (2), 
Damascus (3) , and Koniah (4) . Nicholas, apprehensive at the success 
of Mehemit Ali, offers to assist the Sultan, when he obtains from 
him the Treaty of Unkiar-Skelessi (5), dated June 26th, 1833. One 
of the articles in said Treaty, in favour of Russian supremacy in the 
Euxine, was to the effect that the Dardanelles were to be closed to 
the exclusion of all foreign vessels of war. France and England 
were opposed to said Treaty. On the 15th of July, 1840, the 
Treaty of London was signed between England, Russia, Prussia, 
and Austria, which had in view the security of the Ottoman Empire 
as a guarantee for the peace of Europe, and said Treaty nullified 
that of Unkiar-Shelessi. On the 13th of July, 1841, a further 
Treaty, to the same effect, was signed in London on behalf of France. 
Russia constantly engaged in war with the independent people of 
Caucasus, without acquiring any material extent of territory in that 
quarter, from the heroic devotion of the Circassians to their country 
in repelling Russian aggression. 

On the 17th of February, 1846, Cracow throws off the tyrant's 
fetters, and establishes an independent government of its own on 
the 22d of February. The Polish Patriot, Count Patelsky, with a 
few followers, frightens Collin, the Austrian General, — the latter 
retiring from Cracow as the former enters. The Russians and 



(1) Syria (with Palestine), an extensive Division of Turkey in Asia, bounded 
on the N. by the Amanian mountains, E. by the Euphrates and the Arabian 
desert, S. by Arabia Petraea, and W. by the Mediterranean Sea ; area, 50,000 
sq. m. ; lat. 31° and 37° N., Ion. 34° 30' and 40° E. 

(2) Aleppo (Haleb-es-Shabba), Chalybon and Beraea, a City of Turkey in 
Asia, in the N. of Syria, on the Koeik, 70 m. E. of the Mediterranean; lat. 
36° 11' N., Ion. 37° 10' E. 

(3) Damascus (Es-Sham), a celebrated City of Syria, E. of Anti-Libarus, 
and 53 m. E.S.E. Beyrout ; lat. 33° 27' N., Ion. 36° 23' E. 

(4) Koniah (or Koniyeh, Iconium), a City of Asia Minor ; lat. 37° 51' N., 
Ion. S2° 40' E. 

(5) Unkiar-Skelessi, a Village of Asia Minor, on the Bosphorus, 8 m. N.N.E. 
of Constantinople. 



REMARKS. 



XXXV11 



Prussians, however, join the Austrians, when these Triumvirate 
forces surround Cracow, which soon falls into their hands. In the 
month of December 1846, in violation of the Treaty of Tienna, 
which guaranteed the independence of Cracow, this last remnant of 
ancient Poland is annexed to Austria. 

On the 23rd of February, 1848, the French Eevolution breaks 
out, when Louis Philippe retires to England, and a Republican 
Government is established in Paris. An insurrection breaks out 
hi Bucharest ; and on the 31st of July, 1848, Nicholas issues a 
cunningly-devised manifesto, appearing in conjunction with and as 
the ally of the Sultan, having for its alleged object, as stated therein, 
of " defeating Ayr eeeort" that might be made by the Moldavians 
or WaHachians " to impair the integrity oe the Ottoman 
Empire, now more essential than ever to the maintenance 
oe generai peace!" It was then agreed upon that Russia should 
occupy for a period of five years the Principalities of Moldavia 
and Wallachia ! 

Hungary, after a long state of apathy, at length caught the flame 
of insurrection, and awoke into life ! In May 1849, the Diet of 
Debreczin (1) issued its declaration of independence, which Hungary 
was a stranger to since 1711, when the civil wars at that period 
brought this independent nation within the grasp of Austrian 
domination, at which time Austria and Hungary became united 
under the control of one Sovereign. But the power of the Emperor 
of Austria was limited by the Hungarian Diet, the privileges of 
which that despot attempted to annihilate by recent innovations, 
when this oppressed country made a struggle to free itself from 
Austrian control, and to establish, as formerly, an independent 
kingdom under the ancient and illustrious house of Hapsburg. 
The Hungarians took up arms in defence of their just and legitimate 
rights, joined by the Polish Patriots, numbering 25,000 men, under 
Generals Bern and Dembinski. That upright and unsullied man, 
the noble Louis Kossuth, was raised by the Diet to the office of 
Governor or Dictator of Hungary ; and that Traitor, General 
Georgey, was raised to the rank of Generalissimo over the Magyar 
and Polish forces. After the most brilliant encounters that the 



(1) Debreczin, a royal free Tovrn of E. Hungary, and, next to Pesth, the 
largest in the Kingdom, 116 m. E. of Pesth. 

d 



xxxviii 



EEMAEES. 



page of history ever recorded, and successes more triumphant than 
ever redounded to the credit and glory of a nation against the united 
forces of Austria and Russia, when victory after victory followed in 
rapid succession, until at length the course of Patriotism is stayed 
by the malignant blight of Treason and Treachery in the person of 
the General-in-Chief! — in the person of Georgey the Traitor! At 
the highest pinnacle of military glory, when the Russian soldiers let 
fall their fire-arms and knapsacks, and fled in consternation before 
the all-prevailing Patriots, the Russian General Rudiger found an 
opening to the base, abandoned, and penurious principles of Greorgey, 
who betrayed his friends, his country, and his countrymen, for the 
blighted and withering pestilence of Russian Gfold ! This Traitor 
gave orders that all the Generals under his command should yield 
to Russia. The towns of Peterwardien (1) and Arad (2) obeyed 
this wretch ; but Klapka, the brave defender of Comorn (3), refused 
to obey this mandate, and held out till the 28th of September, 1849, 
when he was obliged to capitulate with the Russian and Austrian 
forces that surrounded this devoted place. Thus ended the 
struggle for Hungarian Freedom so gloriously commenced, but how 
treacherously compromised ! The honourable, the virtuous, the 
noble Kossuth, who doubted the sincerity of Georgey, and who was 
opposed to the supreme command being entrusted into his hands, 
retired from Hungary with a troubled mind and oppressed heart ; 
and mourning over the misfortunes of his country, which fell suicidal 
from the hands of one of its faithless children, that true Patriot, 
Louis Kossuth, went into exile. 

The accession of Louis Napoleon to the Presidency of the French 
Republic is followed by his being proclaimed Emperor, when the 
different nations of Europe acknowledge him under such title. The 
Emperor Nicholas renews his old war against the Turks by invading 
the Danubian Principalities. The English and French Govern- 
ments join in an alliance with the Turks against Russia, and pass 
the Dardanelles into the Euxine with their respective fleets ; and 
on the 17th of September, 1854, the allied armies invade the Crimea, 
where were fought against the Russians — on the 20th, the battle of 



(1) Peterwardien (Hung-. Petervar), Capital of Slavonia, and the most 
formidable Fortress on the Danube, 44 m. N.W. Belgrade. 

(2) Arad (Germ. Neu-Arad), a Town of Hungary on the Sharos. 

(3) Comorn or Komorn, a royal Iree Town of Hungary on the Danube, 
48 m. W.N.W. Buda. 



EEMAUKS. 



xxxix 



Alma ; on the 25th of Octoher, the battle of Balaklava ; on the 5th 
of November, 1854, the battle of Inkerman ; and on the 17th of 
March, 1855, the battle of Eupatoria. On the 2nd of March, 1855, 
the Emperor Nicholas departs this life, when he is succeeded by 
his eldest son Alexander II . 



O, my Friends and Brother Patriots ! how can we lift our eyes from 
that long catalogue of Russian Barbarity! without feeling 
intensely for the cause of Poland ! — without feeling intensely for 
the .cause of Humanity and Feeedom all over the World ! 

Patriots, arise ! Brothers and Friends of Freedom, awake, and 
be no longer silent ! Shake off the indolence of years, and be no 
longer sluggards in the cause of Freedom ! Hear me, the cause of 
Poland is the cause of Europe ! The Slavery of Poland is the 
Bondage of the World ! To those who may think otherwise, and 
who are in the habit of indulging in the thought that "Britons 
never will be Slaves," I would beg to refer their attention to the 
traditional policy of Russia, and to what an extent the ! of 

Peter the " Great" has been, and may yet be carried out. 

It may be well for us to consider the circumstances which gave 
rise to, and under which that "^^ill ! was written, that we may be 
the better able to judge of its authenticity, as we meet with some who 
are so lost in wonder at lis fatal verification! that they doubt its origin. 

On referring to the History of Poland, we find that after the 
Heeeditaey and Pbospeeotts Dynasties of Piast and Jagellon, com- 
mencing in the year of Our Lord 830, and ending in the year 1572, 
that anomaly of an Elective ~HK onarchy! crept in, when 
foreign Princes were eligible to compete for the Crown of Poland. 
The many evils that sprung from this fatal privilege is too pondrous 
a subject to treat of here : suffice it to say that it was the Ruin of 
Poland! and the source from whence every other abuse flowed. 

On traversing the period from 1576 to 1654, we meet with that 
wild race of people denominated " Cossacks" or " Plttkdebees," 
the inhabitants of the Ukraine or frontier country, and during which 
period they were enlisted in the cause of Poland, when, by reason 
of some mismanagement of the Polish nobles and their elected 
Xing Wladislas VIL, the Polish Cossacks revolt! and attach 



REMARKS. 



themselves to Russia in 1654, when Alexis, the father of Peter the 
" Great," was Czar of Russia. The ambition of Alexis is stirred up 
by this new alliance, when he invades Poland under a mere pretext, 
and marches two armies, composed of Cossacks and Muscovites, on 
Smolensko and Kio, and devastates the whole extent of Eastern 
Poland or Lithuania ; when Severia and the Ukraine are ceded to 
Russia by the fatal Treaty of 1667. 

Another evil that emanated from the Elective Monarchy was the 
disposition to engage in Foreign Commotions ; whereas, if the 
Monarchy were Hereditary, there would be a far greater inclina- 
tion on the part of the Sovereign to attend to the internal welfare 
of his own kingdom and that of his successors. But, by that baneful 
system of inviting foreign Princes to be partakers in the Regal 
dignity of the Polish Throne, avarice and corruption sprung up ; 
the Candidates having no interest in the prosperity of Poland, 
looking merely for self-aggrandisement in the false and transient 
glitter of a purchased crown. As an instance of that pernicious 
system of foreign warfare, we have only to look at the reign of the 
Swedish Prince Sigismund III., elected King of Poland in 1587. 
We find this Monarch involving the Polish nation in a hurtful war 
with the Turks. Then he invades Russia, takes Moscow, captures 
the Czar, and brings him prisoner to Warsaw. There is no doubt 
that if Sigismund could have taken advantage of his victories, and 
turned them to some account, it would have materially altered the 
case ; but it was otherwise, as it has invariably been the ease with 
the long line of foreign conquests Poland has had the misfortune to 
obtain through the unprecedented valour of her sons ! History 
informs us that Peter the " Great" never forgot the capture of 
Moscow and the bondage of his predecessor. 

Another evil of the Elective System arises when the foreign 
candidate has other interests that concern him separate from 
the Kingdom of Poland. On the death of his father, Sigismund III., 
as heir to the Crown of Sweden, seeks to become King, and drags 
the Polish nation into a three years' war with Sweden, ending in 
the total defeat of Sigismund by Adolphus Gustavus, when the 
territory of Livonia and part of Prussia is given up in 1629. 
However, in 1635, on the death of Adolphus Augustus, the Poles 
regain possession of this territory, but lose it afterwards. A similar 
but greater evil arises in the reign of Casimir III., who also lays 



BEMA.EKS. 



xli 



pretensions to the Crown of Sweden, but is opposed by Charles 
Gustavus, who marches at the head of 60,000 troops into Poland, and 
enters Warsaw. The fact of Charles Gustavus marching unopposed 
and victorious throughPoland is to be attributed the cause of the 
after aggression of Russia on Sweden; for the 
Czar Alexis, who at that time had invaded Poland in search of con- 
quest, became jealous of Charles, withdrew his troops, and declared 
war against Sweden. The result of this Swedish invasion of Poland 
was most disastrous in its consequences, not alone to the future 
welfare of Sweden, but to that of Poland. By the fatal Treaty of 
Oliva on the 3rd of May, 1660, between Poland, Sweden, and 
Prussia, Livonia is ceded to Sweden, and part of Prussia to the 
Elector of Brandenburg (1). It was on this occasion that Poland 
was endangered by a meditated partition-plot, when Sweden, Prussia, 
and Austria, were to have been the participators ! When we look 
to the period of that great Polish General J ohn Sobieski, the hero 
of Chocium and a hundred fights ! we look in vain for the welfare 
of Poland under such victories ! Here a Turkish, there a Cossack 
encounter. The blood of Poland's Sons drench the foreign field of 
battle when the hard hand of necessity obliges the formation of the 
Pospolite or Polish Militia. Sobieski, by reason of his military valour, 
is called upon to supply the place of the departed Wiecnowiecki, 
and is elected King on the 19th of May, 1674. He defeats the 
Turks at the battles of Leopol and Trembowla. Against the future 
peace of Poland, Sobieski forms a fatal alliance with Austria. In 
May 1683, the memorable siege of Vienna commences by the Turks 
and Tartars. The months of May, June, July, and August, pass 
over, and Vienna is about to yield to the invaders, when the strong 
hand of the Polish King and General, at the head of 24,000 Poles, 
comes to the rescue on the 12th of September, and John Sobieski 
vanquishes the enemy, thereby saying Austeia and Eastern 
Europe ! 

Alas ! for Poland, that day was one of those gloomy days that 
spread the sepulchral shroud of Europe's Mack ingrati- 
tude which was to fold around the lifeless form of after-Poland, 



(1) The Elector of Brandenburg, or Duke of Prussia, at the Treaty of 
Wehlau, on the 19th of September, 1657, secured the independence of Ducal 
Prussia, which was not made a kingdom of until 1701, when one of his 
descendants, in the person of Frederick I., received the title of King- of 
Prussia. 

d 2 



xlii 



REMARKS. 



and entomb her Freedom ! What the advantage gained ? Oh I my 
heart sickens at the thought : — empty titles ! The forced and un- 
willing compliments of European Kings and Princes were all the 
reward that Sobieski and poor flattered Poland had to receive I 
Listen to what the historian Rulhiere says on" this achievement of 
the Polish arms : — 

" This famous deliverance of invaded Germany became a continual 
souece OE teottbles : not only had it given rise to a war which the 
Republic was not in a state to carry on, but it also produced an 
Alliance which eventually became moke eatal than the war 

itself r 

The alliance referred to by the historian was that formed with 
Russia by Sobieski, who, — weakened and dispirited by successive 
encounters with the Turks, and troubled with domestic dissensions, 
— on the 6th of May, 1686, concludes a Treaty with the Czar, Peter 
the " Great," by which he made a conveyance of Smolensk©, 
Czerniechow, Kiow, and Severia, which had only been provisionally 
conveyed in a former reign. As the final stroke to all his victories, 
John Sobieski departs this life on the 17th of June, 1696, leaving 
Poland defenceless, and at the mercy of* the in- 
vader ! 

The foregoing are the circumstances that gave rise to, and upon 
which Peter the " Great" formed his ambitious projects so glaringly 
manifest in the production he has thought proper to give to the 
world in the form of his last "Will and Testament, exhibiting, as 
it does, the foul spirit of An ti- Christian spleen I When we look at 
this document, we are struck with the remarkable fact that Poland 
is selected by him as the first point ! against which this aggressive 
spirit is directed ; and as the centeal point, let us bear in mind, 
from whence all other aggression is to radiate in the vast periphery of 
after- conquest ! There is no doubt that if Peter the "Great" had 
not gained a footing in Poland, he would never have penned, much 
less thought of, such a production. In Rule IV., on Poland, he 
directs his successors to maintain 66 The influence in the 
country and at the Elections." The influence in the 
oountry the foregoing circumstances point out ; while the influence 
at the Elections of the King (Peter well knowing the vulnerable part 
to strike the dart) is answered by what followed after the victory at 
Pultowa, when Peter reinstates Augustus the Elector of Saxony on 



REM AUKS. 



xliii 



the Polish Throne. His next aggression we find directed against 
Sweden, in Rule V. ; the circumstance which gave rise thereto being 
already referred to. Under Eules VIII. and IX. we find this 
monster, in his gloated avarice, taking a wide range of the World'9 
territory, from the Baltic to the Euxine, and from thence to the 
confines of India, in Asia. In Rule X. we find this sacrilegious 
fiend muttering something about " Spiritual Supremacy" for the 
furtherance of the " Orthodox Faith !" Rules XI. and XII. 
contemplate the subjugation of the "World, when 46 Russian 
Arms will first inundate ©rermany, then 
France, and in this way ICurope will and 
must he conquered!" 

Think not, my Brothers, that this last sentence of vile and black 
atrocity is a mere vain or idle threat ! Look at that ill again — 
read it — mark it — study it. " Subjugated Poland," " Vanquished 
Sweden," the occupation of the Baltic and the Euxine Seas, &c. &c. 
tells a woful tale ! Are we to he down in silent apathy, and await 
the invader at our very doors ? Are we to look in false dependence 
on our Giant Fleet, so boasted as the " Wooden Walls of England," 
when Gallia bends beneath the Tyrant's Yoke and runs in streams 
of blood ? Are we to look in confidence at the narrow channel 
that divides us from invaded Europe ? Are we to await the dire 
and mournful day when birds of prey will blight our path and 
nestle in the land ? Are we to see our very homes invaded ; our 
wives, the partners of our bosom, torn from our breasts ? Are we 
to witness our aged and honourable fathers trampled in the dust ? 
Are our noble mothers, who watched and cared us in our youth, 
to be insulted ? Are our fair daughters and sisters to be ravished 
by a savage tribe ? Are our infant darlings to be smothered in their 
cradles ? Are our pillaged homes to be set on fire ? And many 
such questions we may indeed and in truth ask ourselves. Me- 
thinks I hear some easy-going, never-thinking, money-making 
Englishman reply, " O, tut, tut! nonsense, man! nonsense, man ! 
such can never take place." But "such" my quiet-going Friend, 
will take place — if not in our own immediate day, at least in our 
children's time. And what are all the riches we bequeath to those 
we leave behind, if Russian pillagers divide the horded spoil ? 
"Such" devastation, I repeat again, will lake place, unless we stem 
th.e rapid torrent of aggression by rising at once and for ever in 



xliv 



REMARKS. 



Defence oe Polish Nationality. All Cities ! Towns ! Villages ! 
Hamlets! Streets! Lanes! Alleys! and Houses! — the Inhabitants 
of all ! — Men, Women and Children, Lords and Peasants, Rich and 
Poor — should eeel for the Cause of Poland ! For it is the Cause 
of England, Ireland, and Scotland ! For it is the Cause of France ! 
For it is the Cause of Hungary and Freedom all over the World ! 
Has not this ^Will been carried out in its most material features ? 
A careful glance at the foregoing Epitome will answer in the 
affirmative. Well may we ask, has the World been slumbering for the 
last ] 30 years while that black cloud hung pendent with its iron 
sceptre over our heads ? Had Britain's Flag, that " braved the 
battle and the breeze a thousand years," been furled ? Had Gallia's 
valiant sons laid down their arms ? Had Scotia and Hibernia 
slept ? If so, ye Sons of Freedom, Awake ! — Arise ! — Shake off 
your Shame ! The Alarm Bell sounds the note of War ! Buckle 
on in Freedom's proud defence, and rid the World of a Tyrant ! 
Regain the lost possessions of our Polish and Hungarian Brothers ! 

There is one barrier, however, in our way in getting more directly 
at Poland, which is Germany. The German States, thirty-eight in 
number, are more than Semi- Russian, Prussian, and Austrian, 
which Powers no doubt, though covertly, exercise an indirect 
control. Our first course of procedure should be to unite all the 
irresponsible States together under one head, and establish, as 
formerly, an Emperor or King of Germany under a Feee Consti- 
tution, when either as an ally or a foe we could ascertain his 
intentions towards Bussia ; but in the present position of Germany, 
Divided or Partitioned into so many petty Princedoms, having 
separate rights, and acting under NO acknowledged authority or 
head, we look in vain for Sympathy or open Candour ! This state 
of things must not, and cannot be allowed much longer. If the very 
Heart and Core of Europe is allowed to rot in this manner, the 
whole must soon decay and wither beneath the blighting blast of 
Russian Despotism ! A Prime Minister (1) of ours can tell us, as an 

(1) " With respect to Poland. I have no hesitation in stating my own 
opinion ! that the Kingdom of Poland, as at present constituted, and as at 
present occupied, is a standing menace to Germany ! It is for 
the Powers of Germany to determine ! how far they may think 
that constitution of Poland is or is not dangerous to them, and Whether, 
under circumstances which may lead them into a war with Russia, they will 
think it for their interests to endeavour to change that, position of affairs ! !— 
Lord Pahnerston, House of Commons, Tuesday, 20th March: extracted from 
the Times of Wednesday, 2lst March, 1855. 



REMARKS. 



xlv 



excuse for not interfering on behalf of Poland, that the 
more direct interests concerned in the Russian occupation of Poland 
is that of the Germanic States, when he well knew, as at present con- 
stituted, the Germanic States form a part and parcel of Austro- 
If 10 ssi a ia Policy ! and would be the last to interfere ! 
in disturbing the Russian occupation of Poland. As to this Russian 
influence among the Grermanic States, we see at once the source 
from whence it emanated when we direct our attention to Rule III. 
of the "Will of Peter the " Great :" — " Russia is, on all possible 
occasions, to intermeddle in European Differences, and affairs of 
all lands ! in particular, however, she is to do so in those which 
concern Germany, on account of the proxi- 
mity and more direct interest which is to he 
attached to that Country V* If that desired object, the 
reconstruction of Germany, could be effected, and which it is the 
duty of every Patriot and Friend to Freedom to obtain in the 
furtherance of Poland, there could be no doubt as to its exercising 
a beneficial effect in weakening the Triumvirate Powers. There is 
ONE fact, and that an important one, which we should bear in mind 
as exhibiting to us the influence exercised by Russia and Austria in 
Germany : —the Germanic Confederation of 1815 emanated from that 
prolific source, the Vienna Congress, termed 6 6 the ffiioly Al- 
liance !" by which the whole of the States formed an alliance to 
secure the integrity of the laws, and their several territories ; but 
which Germanic Confederation, however, became dissolved after 
the French Revolution of 1848, when Russia and Austria, appre- 
hending a revolt of the Confederation, interfered by Nicholas of 
Russia nominating (through the Diet) John Archduke of Austria to 
the position of Yicar, Regent, or Viceroy of the Empire, with the 
proviso, however, to hold the same under the supreme influence of the 
Czar, and in which office the Archduke was installed on the 12th of 
July, 1848, by the Traitorous Diet ! which held its last and 
seventy-first sitting ! It is for the Governments of England and 
France to see (if they have not considered it before this) how far 
the Congress of Vienna was infringed upon by the total subversion 
to this guarantee to the independence of Germany ; or it may be 
that those Governments have given their consent thereto by a tacit 
compliance with this unconstitutional change. If so, the burden of 



REMARKS. 



oppressed Europe is left on our shoulders, and which, by the power 
of our Unity, which is Strength, — and by the courage oe our 
Patriotism, which is Life, — not forgetting to pray to the Father 
and Giver of all good things to bless and prosper our undertaking, we 
say, Forward, Patriots ! forward! The God of Justice ! — the God 
of Freedom ! — the God of Battles ! is with us, and whom have we 
to fear ? If Germany had not been, since Peter the " Great's" time 
in particular, under the nod and beck of Russia, why did not that 
stubborn, indolent, crouching race arise to protect a neighbouring 
State ? Why did not Germany lift up her head in defence of noble, 
glorious Freedom, to prevent the three successive plunderings and 
Fall oe Poland ? The answer is manifest — Because of its Austro- 
Russian and Prussian tendency ! That Black Ingratitude 
of " invaded" Germany ! — the total disregard to her past 
deliverance in the dazzling days of Sobieski — the page of history 
must record as a wanton and a bitter insult, iu mockery of the 
nobler feelings of our nature ! 

Our next concern is to contemplate the vast geographical extent 
that Poland attained under the Hereditary and Prosperous 
Jagellon Dynasty, and to consider how far it may be practicable to 
restore that Kingdom to its ancient boundaries. Its latitudinal 
extent reached from the Baltic in the North to Turkey in the South, 
having a longitude from Russia in the East to Germany on the 
West ; comprising the denominations of Great Poland, Little 
Poland, and Lithuania, with an area in magnitude more extensive 
than that oe France ; having a population computed at from 
15,000,000 to 20,000,000 souls ! 

Ah! Friends of Freedom, is that mighty Nation to be swept 
away from off the Earth, — shorn of the glorious beams of former 
greatness nursed in the lap of Liberty, — without one trace or single 
landmark to denote its past position ? Is Tyrant Russia to engulf 
within its wide expanse the far-extending territory of former Poland, 
and immerse the millions of her Sons in Slavery ? Say not, ye 
Western Sons of Liberty ! Say not, ye brave — ye resolute ! Open 
wide the arms of Fraternal Love, and share the sighs — the tears — 
the heartfelt anguish of our suffering Brothers ! Fold them in your 
fond embrace, press them to your heart of hearts, feel T heir . 
misfortune as your own ! and then, and not till t/ien } a brighter 



REMAEKS. 



xlvii 



day will mark the era of their Futuee Gloey! — when Friendship's 
kindling rays will penetrate the mists, the clouds, the night of 
Despotism! and " deive Invasion to its Noetheen Den!" (1) 

Our next consideration brings us in view of the relationship or 
non -relation ship that existed between Russia, Prussia, arid Austria, 
before the Fiest Paetition of Poland took place in 1772. On 
consulting the foregoing Epitome, we find that under the reign of 
the Empress Elizabeth of Russia, and Frederick the " Great" of 
Prussia, war was carried on between these two Powers which did 
not terminate until the accession of the Czar Peter III., who became 
the ally of Prussia, and withdrew his troops. And, on consulting 
history, we find that Maria Theresa of Austria was an inveterate 
enemy of Russia, and more particularly under Catherine II., for 
whom Maria Theresa entertained a most marked dislike, calling 
Catherine by no other name than "that woman." However, 
through the mediation of Prussia, Kaunitz, her Minister, and 
Joseph II. her Son, Maria Theresa was constrained to listen to and 
entertain the iniquitous project of Paetitioning Poland ! in 
league with Russia and Prussia : thereby uniting that Triumvirate 
Band of Spoliators, whose baneful influence completed the euin of 
unhappy Poland ! 

Mark well the Fact, my Brothers, that Subjugated Poland 
was the channel through which eoemee Enemies ! became united 
into swoen Allies, thereby combining the disunited Despotism! 
of three Powers into one vast whole ! against the future Peace 
and Happiness of Europe ! Let us also bear in mind that, to 
eestoee Peace and Happiness to Europe, we must sepaeate, as 
formerly, Russia, Austria, and Prussia, by the Reconsteuction of 
Poland ! To Regain Poland, as also Hungary, — a consequent 
result thereon, — we must put from our thoughts all 2®©litieal 
tampering ! To pursue our object with success, we must 
know our Enemies from our Feiends ! and not seek under the 
subtle mantle of "Expediency!" to give in 
44 tlaere" or give in 64 here." Our course must be one 
unieoem and undeviating Path of Dutt ! looking neither to 
the 44 rigllt hantl" nor to the 44 left;" pushing on with 
the indomitable Will oe Pateiotism, though difficulties may 

(1) See Kosciusko's address to his soldiers and fellow-countrymen. Act i. 
scene iv. page 21. 



xlviii 



REMARKS. 



mountain -like rise to intercept us ; still, we will push on, trusting in. 
our GrOD ! trusting in the glorious cause of Freedom that we are 
engaged in ! till at length our united exertions are crowned with 
success 1 We denounce all Alliaiaee with Austria and Prussia 
as highly dangerous to the Cause of Freedom ! for they are 
our tyrants as well as Russia. They also hold a part and parcel of 
Polish Territory, from which we must eject them as usurping 
Tenants ! 

It is now for us to consider how, under the eye of the then Free 
Nations of Grreat Britain and France, the Dismembekment of 
Poland was effected; and that the G-oveknments of those countries 
did not then raise their voice in defence of oppressed Liberty ! 
As there is a mistake prevalent on this subject, in reference to the 
non-interference of Grreat Britain, and which I feel it my duty to 
correct, I will here give, in the form of a note, an extract from an 
Address to Prince Czartorysky, " agreed to unanimously" at a 
'-' crowded meeting," held in the Town Hall of Manchester, on the 
evening of Monday, the 5th of March, 1855 (1). Although I join 
altogether in the spirit and object of this noble Address, as being 
the offspring of true Patriotism, nevertheless, it is my wish, in the 
spirit of brotherly concern, to correct the statement that the former 
"Apathy!" of Gfreat Britain arose from 64 the want ©f 
proper knowledge ©f Foreign affairs !" Such was 
not the pact, as my Friends will perceive on consulting the fore- 
going Epitome ; or, to obtain a more enlarged view on this subject, 
let them consult the Polish and Russian Historians. Such, my 
Friends, I repeat, was not the pact ! The voice of Patriotism 
was raised in England then as well as now, pleading on behalf of 
Poland, and warning the Grovernment of the day against 
neglect! but what was the result ?— the same "Apathy!" 



(1) " We contemplate with poignant grief the events of the past which have 
a reference to the melancholy fate of Poland. 

" Her Dismemberment reflects a discredit upon the spirit of the 
times ; but we chiefly deplore the indifference ! with which Great Britain 
beheld the consummation of that act of Spoliation ! 

" However, we are inclined to ascribe that Apathy more to the 
want of proper knowledge of Foreign affairs ! than to the 
influence of unfriendly feeling-. 

" We are now anxious to make a Compensation ! for what we consider 
to have been a grave political error ! by the manifestation of our 
Sympathy, and a desire to support the claims of Poland to her National 
Independence !" 



REMARKS. 



xlix 



which we have so recently witnessed in Parliament ! On 
referring to the ^//-infliction — " We are now anxious to make a 
compensation :" — As Patriots, we do ourselves an injustice by 
coupling the fatal guilt! of a C^OYernment with the 
exertions of our eormer Patriotism on behalf of Poland ! Let us 
bear in mind that whenever the spirit of a Government (no 
matter what its Professions ! maybe) is anti-patriotic, we 
should learn to discriminate between the Government and the 
Patriotic intentions of the People. If we couple the f*uilt 
of the former with the innocence of the latter, we fall into an egre- 
gious en-or ; and the fatal mistake ! resulting from this is :— 
The People looking to the Government, in place of the Government 
having to look to the People ! 

The Government had full "knowledge of Foreign affairs!" so 
much so, that the English ambassador was a Mendicant at the 
Court of St. Petersburg, begging for Maval Assistance against 
Prance. It was not to be supposed, in compliance with the policy 
of intrigue 9 that the English Government, well informed 
on the Partition Plot ! both before and after its consumma 1 
tion in the superlative degree! would have thought it "expedient" 
to have raised any opposition to the Intentions of the Empress 
Catherine II., be those intentions ever so iniquitous ! As a 
bait to lure away the faint shadow of any opposition on the p rt of 
the English Government to Catherine's designs on Poland, this 
artful woman pnrcliased from that quarter the Freedom of 
Poland, by some promised 6 4 commercial" advantages ! The 
boasted 66 GJIory" of the long-lived reign of George III. sinks 
into contemptible insignificance and appalling depravity ! 
when we behold the ruin that monarch and his ministers have 
sanctioned, in the Hownfall of Poland ! 

Methinks I hear some defender of the boasted " Glory !" of other 
days reply : — " Come now, you are too severe ; you seem to forget 
the long wars with France and America, when all our disposable 
forces were engaged ; so that, if we were even inclined to assist the 
Poles, we could not, in a military point of view." Time, there is 
something tangible in that remark ; and I must admit this friend of 
boasted " Glory !" has gained a point. However, if military aid 
was not at hand to rescue Poland, why be partaker in the plot, and 
not recall the British Ambassador at the Russian Court ? No 

e 



1 



REMARKS. 



doubt the old war between England and France was the source of 
many evils, and Catherine well knew that. Although that prolific 
"Will ! of Peter the " Great !" does not imply in exact terms by 
naming England and France in reference to what he lays down in 
Mule "V. as to Sweden and Denmark, between whom " a feeling 
of jealousy is to be constantly kept up !" nevertheless, we read in 
Rule IIS, that " Russia is on all possible occa- 
sions to intermeddle in European Differences 
and affairs ©f all kinds \". And it is well known, as 
history informs us, that the intermeddling of Russia had a great 
share in promoting the long war between England and France. 
There was a constant scene of intrigue carried on from time to time 
at the Court of St. Petersburg between the English and French 
Ambassadors, one acting against the other, who would alternately 
advise with the Empress Catherine II. as to the hostile designs 
formed by England against France, and vice versd, — much to the 
flattered vanity and gloated satisfaction of that Tyrant ! 

Napoleon I. made some exertions to restore the independence of 
Poland ; and, no doubt, if he had succeeded in the Moscow expedi- 
tion, he might have accomplished more for that kingdom ; but his 
misfortunes on that occasion had weakened him and the Poles too 
much, to be ever after of any assistance in securing the Nationality 
of Poland, — unless we are to conjecture what might have taken 
place had Napoleon been successful at the Battle of Waterloo. If 
we may judge of Napoleon's feelings (1) expressed (on the eve of his 
departure for Russia) to the Polish Deputation that waited on him 
at Wilna on the 26th of June, 1812, we must see in that great but 
unfortunate man, a Friend, or professed Friend, to the Nationality 
of Poland. However, Napoleon's reply to the Deputation in other 
respects was ambiguous ; nor was his allusion to Austria retaining 
possession of her share in the plunder of Poland at all acceptable to 
the national representatives. No doubt Napoleon's matkimonial 
alliance with the House of Austria had much to do in giving 
expression to such a sentiment. 

(1) " If I had reigned at the time of the first, second, or third 
Partition of Poland. ! would have armed all my People to support 
you ! 1 love your Batku ; during the last sixteen years I have seen your 
soldiers at my tiJii in the fields, of Italy, as well as those of Spain. I 

APPLAUD ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE ! I SANCTION THE EFFORTS YOU 
WISH TO MAKE! I WILL DO EVERY THING IN MY POWER TO SECOND 

YOUR resolutions!" &c. &c. 



HEM ARKS. 



li 



It is a remarkable fact — and one that I would impress upon my 
Brother Patriots the importance of dwellin q- on — that the Crown 
of Poland hung suspended over the wide plains of Waterloo until 
the result of that memorable battle was known, when Alexander I. 
of Russia two days after (on the 20th of June, 1815) Si at! 
himself crowned Misig of IPoland ! ' (see Epitome), 
And that battle, misnamed the Battle of 66 deliverance !" 
was to the Poles the battle that decided their further and final state 
of Slavery ! and endangered the future peace of Europe in furthering 
the ambitious designs of the Russian Autocrat ! If I were to follow 
the bent of my inclination, and give way to the rapid succession of 
thoughts pregnant with facts ! that crowd upon my mind while I pen 
these lines, I would have much to say suggestive of deep and impor* 
tant matter on this remarkable era in the History of the World ! 
but satisfying myself that with your knowledge of history, and 
BETENtive memoey, similar suggestions and convictions may strike 
your Patriotic minds, I forego this arduous task, leaving it in your 
hands to supply my deficiency, being anxious to hurry on to matters 
within our own immediate time. 

The Government of this country has ever been the Govern- 
ment of 64 Expediency V 9 the chameleon character of which 
is ever ready to form such a diversity of colour that we look in vain for 
the unchangeable constitution of a Free Nation, not alone in a 
domestic sense, but more especially in regard to its relationship with 
Foreign Countries. As an illustration of this fact in a eoeeign 
point of view, I will here give one out of many such cases : — We 
find, on the visit of the Emperor Nicholas to England in 1844, 
when (let us bear in mind) Louis Philippe was on the French throne, 
that there was a secret negociation carried on in prop-id person d 
between Nicholas on the one hand, and some members of a then 
and future Government on the other, having reference to a medi- 
tated Russian Invasion of the Turkish Empire, which resulted in 
the entire approbation » (through fear, however!) of certain 
gentlemen whose names it is unnecessary now to mention ! We 
then find this chameleon Grovernment appearing in a different hue 
after the French Revolution in 1848, and siding with the Emperor 
Napoleon III. against Russia, after the meditated Turkish Invasion, 
planned and agreed upon in 1844, had actually taken place ! How- 
ever, it may be necessary to remark here the fact, that, had Louis 



lii 



KEMAEKS. 



Philippe still occupied the throne of France, as in 1844, Nicholas 
had had full scope to put forth with impunity his aggressive designs 
against Turkey, as far as the English Government was concerned ; 
and as it is well known that Louis Philippe had made a similar en- 
gagement with Russia, and which object in view no doubt hastened 
the overthrow of that monarch by that discerning, free, and inde- 
pendent people of whom the French nation is composed. 

We now arrive at a remarkable period in the History of the 
World, when we behold the union of two nations heretofore at war 
with each other, and whose armies are now combined for the sup- 
pression of Russian Aggression. Although I have said " the union 
of two nations," I have said so merely in a positive sense ; for 
I am not one of those sanguine creatures of the age, that fondles in 
his mind the delusion that there is really, and in a supeblative 
degree, a lasting union between the British and French nations ! 
Would that I could believe it ! but the truth of the case is other- 
wise. To consider this point in its true character and meaning> 
we must draw the wide distinction that exists between the 
GrOYernment of a Wation and the Nation itself ! And 
although the French nation is more fully identified with her Govern- 
ment in the present day, still we cannot assert in truth that a 
similar identification holds good between the British Government 
and the British Nation. Then comes the point of the relationship 
that exists between the French and British Governments, which we 
must distinguish from the relationship or ^cw-relationship existing 
between the French and British Nations ; for that Government 
relationship between the two countries in these perplexing days of 
timid statesmanship \ may be productive of that Green- 
eyed Monster of "Expediency!" when matters of great 
national importance! may be 64 compromised !" for the sake 
of obtaining a present cessation from hostilities ! Such compromise, 
let us bear in mind, would be a Government and not a 
National Compromise! for who could suppose that that 
person who really understood the character of the British and 
French nations would for one moment assert, that the all-powerful 
and public voice of either country had given in its approval to any 
such meditated Compromise with Bussia ? Such a com- 
promise, my Brother Patriots, it grieves me to confess, is now in 
progress, and no doubt will end, as all other Treaties have, on most 



REMARKS. 



liii 



advantageous terms to Russia ; or, at least, so far in favour of that 
Power (on the contemptible 64 Four Points!"), and the 
Autocrat's vassals, Austria and Prussia, that a wide margin will be 
left for any evasion of the ominous terms of said Treaty, and 
which dereliction on their part will only serve as a further confir- 
mation of Treaties formerly ignored, and to which they had affixed 
their polluted, signatures ! 

As I am on this point, I cannot but notice one personage who 
has natural, but, I regret to say, fop his own and his country's sake 
abused and misapplied abilities, — a recent " Envoy, Ambassador, 
Plenipotentiary Extraordinary, in cases of extreme moment and the 
utmost peril ! in matters which admit of no delay ! but require the 
utmost velocity and magnetic telegraphic haste !" &c. &c. &c, and 
whatever else the fears and apprehensions of some may designate 
him. Well, this Envoy, or whatever else we may choose to call 
him, has been recently deputed by that amalgamated community 
bearing the title of 46 The British C?©vernment !" to 
repair with the aforesaid accelerated pace to Vienna, under the far- 
fetched and delusive prospect, as that Minister states in his Address 
(dated from Paris, February 23, 1855) to the Electors of Londona 
4 4 affording hopes of an honourable termination 
of the present War !" And again he adds ; — his "Mission" 44 is 
that of the highest importance involving the 
interests of Europe !" To comment on such bombast and 
contemptible vanity ! would, I conceive, be a further infliction on 
the patience of my friends ; but leaving such sentiments, under such 
circumstances, to speak for what they are worth, I lay down my 
pen, concluding with the remark that this is the statesman who 
asserted— 44 1 do not desire to take away one inch 
of territory from B&ussia !" 

There is one word of advice which 1 think it my duty to give my 
friends : — Keep and carry about with you a Pocket Political Diary 
alphabetically arranged, containing the Dramatis Persona of the 
Tragic Political Farce of certain would-be statesmen who make 
their entree on the stage of both Houses of the Legislative Assembly : 
mark well, in an abstract form, the " sayings and doings" of each 
Actor, and depend upon it you will find an heterogeneous mass of 
diversity ! and contrariety ! in each performer, as the political current 
may chance to drive, him, — when you will behold, in the brief com- 
e 2 



liv 



REMARKS. 



pass of a few years, that strange anomaly, the same individual 

contradicting himself on more than one or two occasions. In re- 
ference to this point, I will not give the exact contradictions of the 
Minister, as I cannot afford space for same, but will content myself 
with giving you in a note (1) another extract from the " sayings" 
of the Minister in question. After reading that extract, my 
Brothers, it cannot but suggest to your minds two palpable facts : 
The first is, that the " Government" had a secret under- 
standing for some time back (as you may infer from the words 
4 6 all along known !") with the Austrian Government, con- 
cerning which the people of this country were kept in ignorance, 
until the expression of the Minister at that late hour gave it publi- 
city ! The next fact is the consequent result or effect of such 
a secret understanding carried out, — manifesting, on the part of the 
" Government !" of this Free Nation, a disposition and a determi- 
nation to uphold at all hazards the Austrian 
occupation of Hungary! Would such sentiments, I 
ask, obtain for one moment that black and withering 6 6 Itlear , 
hear !" in any Popular Assembly of the British Nation outside 
the corrupted (2) House of Commons ? If there be any one 
so base, or so unjust to the Patriotic sentiments of the British 
Nation, as to give an affirmative to that interrogatory, I would tell 
such an individual that he was a Slave, and the minion of Slavery ! 

It is now for us to consider the Truth or Falsehood ! of 
the statement that it 6 4 would he a ©freat Misfortune 
to Europe if Hungary were separated from the 
Austrian Empire;" because Lord Palmerston "COS!- 



(1) "The Austrian Government know ! and have all along known ! 
that the Government of Great Britain would consider it a Great 
Misfortune to Europe if Hungary were separated ! from the 
Austrian Empire ; because I consider the Austrian Empire 
as an aggregate Body in the Centre of Europe, to be an 
essential Element ! in the Balance of Power in Europe ! ! The 
Austrian Government, therefore, have no Doubt ! as to what 
are the Policy ! and Views ! of the Government in regard to 
Hungary ! ! ! (Hear, Hear!)" — Lord Palmerston, in the House 
of Commons, on Tuesday, 20th March, 1855. Extracted from the Times of 
Wednesday, the 1\st of March, 1855. 

(2) When 1 say " corrupted House of Commons," I would net wi-h to he 
understood as implicating- the whole of its members,— among whom there are 
some of the noblest Patriots! — However, there is a certain Class of 
individuals in that House who have not escaped observation, and it is to 
those individuals that I would apply the term " Corrupted House of 
Commons" ! That " Hear, Hear," [ should hope and do believe was 
not general, but was confined to that Class who on that occasion repre- 
sented in the public journals the House of Commons ! 



REMARKS. 



lv 



siders the Austrian Empire, as an aggregate 
Body in the centre of Europe, to be an essen- 
tial Element in the ISalance of Power in 
Europe !" I can lay my hand to my heart and say, in the 
most perfect sincerity, that there never was a falser 
Statement \ from the lips of any Minister ! The only excuse 
I can make in palliation for such an avowal is, that the Minister 
said so not knowing or considering what he said, or he was most 
profoundly ignorant, or thought his hearers SO ! on the 
results of the late Hungarian Eevolution ! My Brother Patriots, 
what was the result of the late Hungarian War ? — why, it has given 
rise to the late Turkish Invasion by Russia, which has caused so 
much bloodshed, not alone to Turkey, but to France, England, 
Ireland, and Scotland, losses which I have no doubt it will take 
years to recover ! If the Himgarian Revolution had been successful 
the late Emperor Nicholas of Russia would never have dared an 
invasion of Turkey ! If that noble feeling of Patriotism had been 
successful, Poland would have ere this thrown off the Tyrant's 
fetters, and would now be a Free Nation! If that glorious move- 
ment had been (but for the Traitor's hand) victorious, Russia, 
Prussia, and Austria, would now be separated, and reduced to their 
former insignificance among the nations of Europe ! If that noble 
Revolution had been successful, then, indeed, the "Balance of 
Power" in Europe would have been consummated! We also 
deduce from the foregoing maxim the apologist, or I should, more 
correctly speaking, say the panegyrist, of the late Emperor Nicholas 
in the person of the present Prime Minister of England ! for there 
a justification is set up of the 66 intermeddling" of Russia 
as the ally of Austria, in putting an end to the Patriotic Movement 
in Hungary, thereby, mind you, giving Russia the credit of esta- 
blishing that 64 Essential Element in the £Sa lance 
Of Power in Europe !" which " Balance," however, on 
consulting the "Will I of Peter the " Great" and the antecedents 
of Nicholas, and his Grandmother Catherine II., has never been 
the object or intention of Russia to promote, much less to maintain. 

If that Glorious and immortal Revolution which panted for the 
independence of Hungary as well as Poland was successful ! the 
Hungarian as well as the Polish Ambassadors at the British Court 
would ere this have been heaped with fulsome adulations without 



Ivi 



REMARKS. 



number, by the very Minister and bis clique who now plot and 
connive with the oppressors of those noble countries! If the 
French Revolution of 1848 was unsuccessful, the London obscurity 
of Louis Napoleon, the present Emperor of the French, would 
still continue ; and to imagine or suppose for one moment that the 
runaway Prisoner of Ham and exiled Louis Napoleon would be 
the guest at Buckingham Palace under the reign of the House of 
Bourbon, would be to say that there was no corruption in Court 
intrigue, or in the manner the national affairs of Great Britain were 
controlled and attempted to be carried on ! What is there to pre- 
vent another Revolution taking place in France, in the event of the 
death of Louis Napoleon ? — and what, may I ask, will be the result 
or effect of such a Revolution upon this country as at present con- 
stituted? Supposing, for argument sake, the "Four Points!" 
Treaty is concluded at "Vienna ; the shattered armies return ; the 
British and French Ambassadors resume their offices at the Court 
of St. Petersburg, what then, may I ask, will be the upshot of such 
a peace? Why the 44 intermeddling" so legibly pour- 
trayed in the ^Will I of Peter the " Great" and his successors 
44 in European IMfferences and affairs of all 
Siiods !" will be put into requisition again with a thousand-fold 
force ; when England and France, the two powers that can only 
guarantee the observance of said contemptible Treaty, will be set in 
battle array against each other, when the Treaty, as a matter of 
course, falls to the ground for want of its legitimate and allied 
supporters; — when the old spirit of exciting a feeling 66 of 
jealousy 5 ' which 66 is constantly to he kept up!" 
will revive with redoubled energy, when the Ambassadors of two 
friendly Governments, in place of being the allied representatives 
of Great Britain and France at the Court of St. Petersburg, will 
become the medium or channel (as formerly) through which will 
flow the antagonistic currents of the bitterest hatred and acrimony, 
ending in producing the troubled agitation of strife, which may 
shipwreck and engulf in one common whirlpool, not alone the free- 
dom of Great Britain and France, but will drag along with it the 
hopes and the expectations of a glorious Patriotism, which seeks 
and aspires to the noble and manly task, of ridding Europe and the 
World from the raging cataract of Despotism ! 

It affords us some relief, however, to be able to select out of the 



REMARKS. 



lvii 



incongruous mass of Statesmen one who (I would hope) is a 
Patriot: — although youthful, Sir Robert Peel has a candid and 
discerning mind far surpassing the acumen of much older States- 
men and would-be celebrities. How far his connexion with the 
present Government may operate in forfeiting the sentiments he 
has already given expression to on behalf of Poland and Hungary, 
is yet to be ascertained ; however, I would consider it an injustice 
to that Right Honourable Baronet to identify him with the fore- 
going avowal of his colleague in office, if I was so negligent as not 
to give here tbe noble sentiments which the mouth, and we should 
fondly hope the heart, of Sir Robert Peel gave utterance to, the 
spirit and truth of which every Patriot must admire: — "Russia 
had again provoked a war, which he trusted might result in 
bestobing- Poland ! to her position as a Nation, and give Liberty 
to a people which had been so long enslaved !" (1). Again, on 
another occasion : — " No settlement of the Eastern question would 
be satisfactory unless Poland and Hungary were restored ! 
An Austrian alliance he denounced !" (2). Would that I 
could print such sentiments, as they deserve, in gold letters ; or 
that I could present them placarded in Large Type before the 
perpetual notice of Lord Palmerston ! 

We find the venerable Lord Lyndhurst giving a lengthened 
oration in the House of Lords, on Monday, the 19th of March, 
1855, — from which we deduce the understood yet silent anguish of 
that nobleman, mourning as it were over the incapacity or negligence 
of his early days, by not warning the then Government on behalf of 
Polish Nationality ere it was too late of what that learned and aged 
gentleman tells the present Government (a fact, however, with which 
the Historical Student is conversant), was the 64 aggressive 
Cfiaracter of Russia" under Peter I. and Catherine II. &c. ; 
and the "Treachery" of Prussia under the monarchs 
Frederick the " Great," and Frederick William, his successor. I 
have, however, in the name of Patriotism, to thank that noble and 



(1) Sir Robert Peel, Bart., atTamworth, January 1855, on the occasion of a 
soirCe, in connection with the Library and Reading-Room for the Working 
Classes. 

(2) Sir Robert Peel, Bart., at Tamworth, on Wednesday, March 15, 1855, 
on the occasion of his being re-elected M.P. without opposition, after he had 
accepted office as a Junior Lord of the Admiralty under Lord Palmerston 
as Premier. — Extract from the Times of Thursday, the loth of March, 1855, 
being a correct and compared copy thereof. 



Iviii 



REMARKS. 



learned Lord for introducing such, palpable truths at this particular 
time ; as it manifests a disposition in that nobleman to make some 
amends for the past, by exhibiting (what he no doubt considered it 
his duty) an unflinching determination on his part to " tell the 
Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth," in the face of 
a corrupt Administration, and pending a contemptible 
though dangerous Treaty ! 

We now come to consider a resolution that was proposed by that 
true Patriot, Mr. P. A. Taylor, at a meeting held in the Guildhall, 
on Saturday, the 3d of March, 1855, to elect a Member for the 
City of London, in the room of Lord John Russell, who accepted 
office under the Palmerston Ministry. After the Electors of London 
had made the sad mistake ! to re-elect that veritable personage, who 
had taken his departure for Vienna, for the purpose of creating (as 
he thinks) an imperishable name, (and under the impression of 
insuring his re-election, bearing in his mind no doubt the poetic 
reflection, that " Distance lends enchantment to the view"), 
Mr. Taylor proposed the following Resolution : — " That, in the 
opinion of this Meeting, no Treaty with Russia will be satisfactory 
that does not enforce some material territorial clause." After an 
able and eloquent address, which I regret I cannot insert here s 
the Sheriffs refusing to put the Resolution, the Patriotic Mr. Taylor 
put it himself, when it was carried by the unanimous »voice of the 
Meeting. The foregoing Resolution points out two courses for the 
adoption of the Government : — 1st, That there is to be " no Treaty 
2d, If a Treaty, a Territorial one, by which Russia should consent to 
forego more or less (as the case might be) of the extensive plunder 
to which the Autocrat lays claim. As to the first proposition, that 
there is to be " no Treaty," I entirely concur ; as to the second, the 
well-known policy of Russia is so utterly at variance, that we must 
entirely discard it from our minds as futile. I will take for granted, 
then, that said Resolution is one altogether on the " Treaty" 
principle, and upon such offer a few remarks. After the Allied 
Fleets entered the Euxine, and the Anglo-French Armies had 
landed in the Crimea, from thenceforward there should have been 
no wavering or going back on the " Four Points" or any other 
number of points ; for by so doing, the Governments who preside 
over the National affairs of Great Britain and France exhibit a 

weakness which I consider more dangerous than the 



REMARKS. 



lix 



Treaty now pending. For what does it do ? It is just like mating 
a compact or agreement with a Motlfoer! — that if he comes to 
terms and accedes to 64 so muefa !" and 44 no more !" he is 
at perfect liberty to 44 retain the blunder!" he already 
possesses, giving him full scope to pilflage acl infinitum I 
in all other directions ! To admit the fact, that we ai'6 disposed to 
come to terms with an ©tatfiaw ! is to make a confession that he 
is not that Outlaw I we would suppose him to he, hut one 
who has seldom or never transgressed the boundaries of former 
stipulations; and one in whose 44 CrOOfl Fait!*! 99 we may 
place implicit confidence as a guarantee for the fulfilment of all 
future engagements which may concern and jeopardise the 
honour and security of nations ! 

As I am on the "No-Treaty" principle, I cannot, in justice to 
Poland, overlook a statement conveyed in a Resolution (1) proposed 
at a crowded Meeting held in the Guildhall of Bath, ©n Thursday, 
the 15th of February, 1855, the Mayor, Mr. W. Hunt, presiding. 
The Resolution, I am gratified to say, speaks for itself, and was 
unanimously agreed to by that respectable and crowded meeting. 
Comment on my part would be superfluous. 

We must now consider by what infatuation the Governments of 
England and France were led into the humiliating position of look- 
ing (after hostilities commenced) for a further negociation about 
the 44 Four Joints." No doubt the pride of the two 
Governments is a little crestfallen before the stubborn and unfore- 
seen opposition of Russia, and, although that may have its weight, 
nevertheless, the true secret of stipulation springs from Austrian 
and Russian intermeddling, planning, concocting, proposing, 
devising, &c. &c. &c. as the secret Agents! as well as 
"¥assals ©f Russia ! To have an Austrian Ambassador 
in London and another in Paris during the present war, is virtually 
the same as if those identical personages were ULussian 

(1) " That the strong-holds and armaments prepared by Russia in advance 
of her ancient frontiers have revealed aggressive purposes, against 
which Treaties are not effective Defences, Russia having- already 
seized upon Territories since her first Partition of Poland in 1772 equal in 
extent and importance to the whole Empire she possessed in Europe before 
that period; that the Restoration of Poland! in complete indepen- 
dence of Russian control, would afford a material guarantee that Russian 
aggrandizement in Europe at the expense of neighbouring States should 
cease ; and that such Restoration of Poland would be in accordance with 
justice and sound policy." 



Ambassadors ! with this difference, however, that the former, 
although admitted " Friends !" are dangerous Ene- 
mies ! spying out the " nakedness of the land ;" observing and 
reporting through Vienna and Berlin, and from thence to St. Peters- 
burg, the weak and vulnerable points of the two 
respective Cabinets. That system of communication kept up, no 
wonder there should be a delay in coming to an agreement on 
the " Four-Points" Treaty 1 now pending ; — and we may expect a 
far more protracted Congress until the direct course is taken 
against such functionaries by the Governments of England and 
France ordering them to leave forthwith ! Why should the 
Austrian Minister the other day controul the free expression of a 
Patriotic Statesman (1), as to force a contrary avowal from 
the lips of his colleague (2) in office, but for a certain myste- 
rious fear ! that hangs around the path of Ministers, in dread 
of an armed Austro-Russian combination. Paltry and fallen ! 
is that Administration that bows, and stoops, and fawns in craven 
servility to the will and threatens tigs of Tyrants ! 
and that pendant-like hangs on the fatal and delusive 
Mopes ! that through such contrivances of low subserviency 
the 66 peace"! and * 4 security" ! of Europe and the 
World will be obtained ! 

We now come to consider the position Napoleon III. and his 
Government stands in with respect to Austria and Prussia ; and how 
far the Government of England -is held within the magnetic 
influence that has its gravitating Power in the 
Capital Of France ; and in what direction, how far, and to 
what purpose or effect the vacillating wires of intrigue 
may move ? This is an interrogatory upon which pages could be 
written in reply ; but apprehensive that I have exceeded the limits 
originally prescribed for the Eemarks as introductory to the Drama, 
I must check a mental impetuosity, and satisfy my Brothers with 
a simple reference to this subject. Napoleon I., the uncle of the 
present Emperor, intermarried with the House of Austria ; and we 



(1) Sir Robert Peel, Bart., at Tamworth, on Wednesday, the 15th of March, 
1855. 

(2) Lord Palmerston, in his place as Prime Minister, in the House of 
Commons, on Tuesday, the 21st of March, 1855, in answer to a question from 
Lord W. Graham, in reference to the Austrian Ambassador, and tbe views 
Sir Robert Peel held and expressed with regard to Poland and Hungary. 



Ixi 



find that said alliance influenced in a great measure. 
Xapoleon's conduct towards Poland. In the present instance, 
such matrimonial Alliance does not exist ; nor can we trace the 
ties of consanguinity from the Austrian Princes to the present 
Emperor. I refer to this merely to show that, while the Uncle 
might have feigned some plausible excuse for a leaning towards 
Austria, in that Power's occupation of G-allicia in Poland, still 
the Nephew could not put forward any such pretext. 

Louis Xapoleon and the French Government have given in 
their adhesion to the " Four Points " ! by which, so 
far as that Government, (1) in conjunction with the Govern- 
ment of England, is concerned, will bind them 44 neck 
and heels !" not to hs-teefeee ! in the re- establishment of 
Hungary and Poland, but silently consenting ! to leave 
those countries in the hands of their present Rulers and 
ungovernable Tyrants ! Although Ministers may treat 
us like 44 fools"! and think to quiet our anxiety about the wel- 
fare of our brothers in bondage, by telling us, as formerly, that 
Poland or Hungary is 4 4 not mentioned" ! in said Treaty, it 
being for an entirely 44 different object"! still, unless we 
are downright idiots, we must see the bent of that reply ! which 
tells us although Poland or Hungary is not stipulated for in said 
Treaty, which has for its professed object 44 the restoration 
Of Peace" ! yet, by reason of the fatal silence ! on Poland 
and Hungary, that silence ! makes an open confession ! 
in the eyes of the World, of the Austro-Eussian Prussian occupation 
of those countries, and their 44 right" ! and 44 title" ! thereto, 
44 now, and for ever after" ! — In reference to the policy 
of the Erench Government towards Prussia, it is evidently of an 
undecided character; whether hostile or friendly, it un- 
doubtedly bears the aspect of conciliation. We learn, how- 
ever, the following information from the " Times" Correspondent 
writing from Berlin on the 27th of February, 1855 : — 

B The Erench proposal, that Prussia should conclude a second 
edition of the December Treaty, with some modifications, has been 

(1) When I refer to such acts of the French Government in conjunction 
■with the English Government, I would wish to be distinctly understood as 
not involving' the honour of either nation. The argument I hold is, that 
free nations like Great Britain and France are not bound by the misdeeds ! 
or traitorous acts ! of nominal Governments ! 

/ 



Ixii 



REMARKS. 



rejected. Prussia requires a promise from France, 
that she will not march any troops through 
or into Federal territory, and that no attempt 
shall be made to insurrectionise Poland ! When 
these two points are conceded, Prussia is ready to sign a protocol 
with the Allies on the basis of the aide-memoire of Dec. 28th, pre- 
paratory to entering upon the approaching Conferences at Vienna." (1) 
How far the Emperor Napoleon or his Government are likely to 
entertain such a proposition in reference to Poland, I cannot take 
upon myself to form any opinion ; but this much I may add in the 
way of a friendly admonition, that if such a 6 6 promise"! 
is exacted from Louis Napoleon and his government, and that he 
continues to act in conjunction with Austria ! in oppo- 
sition to any change in Hungary, the sooner he retires from the 
responsible position he now holds, the better ; for I well know the 
national peeling of France, as also that of Great Britain, will 
never submit to such a line of policy, so detrimental to the 
security and liberties of Europe ! If Louis Napoleon wants to secure 
his throne, he will at once and for ever declare himself the Friend 
op Liberty ! by throwing off the doubtful and per- 
nicious Austro-Prussian Alliance ! then will the 
French and British Nations greet him with one voice, as the Cham- 
pion of the Liberties of Mankind, when they may well shout aloud 
<( Vive l'Empereur !" " Yive Napoleon !" 

It was the baneful influence of the Austro-Prussian alliance with 
the Western Governments that led to, planned, and concocted that 
disastrous scheme, The Invasion of the Crimea ! but 
for which a more direct course would have been taken against 
Russia by the Anglo-French armies crossing Germany and entering 
Poland and Hungary. It was the same to the Turks where the 
Russians would be attacked by the allied forces, so as that desired 
event took place ; and there can be no doubt that Poland and 
Hungary would have been the most advantageous ground upon 
which to commence and prosecute hostilities. Then, again, previous 
to the Anglo-French armies appearing in Poland and Hungary, the 
national peelings and sympathy of those depressed countries 



(1) Extracted from an article of the Times Correspondent, dated 27th of 
February, 1855, and appearing in the Times of Saturday, the 3rd of March, 
1855. (True and compared copy.) 



KEMARKS. 



Ixiii 



could have been appealed to, and still further awakened to a 
lively patriotism through their corresponding agents in these 
countries, which would not fail to have had the desired effect. 
That semi-friendly, semi-threatening system which 
has been interchanged of late between the Governments 
of England and France with the Austro- Prussian Govern- 
ments, has been most pernicious in its effects ! "Valuable time 
has not alone been sacrificed to such political tampering, 
having for its author that Bugbear 66 Expediency" ! the 
source and fomenter of many evils ! but the Western Govern- 
ments have let slip, by such culpable folly, any probability that 
there might have been of securing the peace of Europe. The Western 
Governments have been held for some time back in complete 
check ! by the Austro-Prussian Governments, until the ner- 
vous susceptibility ! of the former has been so worked upon 
by the enervating influence of the latter, that we may 
now look upon the Western Governments as totally incapable 
and powerless for any decided action against Russian 
aggression ! when we witness the result of such political 
tampering in the mortifying and pitiable spectacle of that 
" Four Points" Gangrene ! 

I regret to say that the time lias gone by when the military de- 
velopment of the Western Governments could have shone forth 
unto long and durable victory, in attacking Russia in the right 
direction; when the once splendid, but now sadly depopu- 
lated armies, engaged in a fruitless expedition ! would 
have gone forth in the valour of their might on the European 
plains, hailed as conquerors of Russian ^Despotism ! and 
Deliverers of not only the Turkish Empire, but also of the Polish 
and Hungarian Nations ! But how does the case now stand ? Why, 
up to the present time, the Western Governments, notwithstanding 
the "victories"! and consequent bloodshed that has ensued, 
have not, nor will they ever obtain, by such a procedure the inde- 
pendence and security of one of those Powers, but are now in 
treaty on the dastardly 4 6 Four Points" ! to the imminent 
peril of all ! For who is that individual, let him be ever so san- 
guine as to the probability of peace on the 66 Four Points" 
Treaty, that could lay his hand upon his heart and solemnly declare 
that he is satisfied therewith, but will on reflection exclaim, that 



Ixiv 



EE1LARKS. 



under such a proviso our "last state V 9 will be 66 worse 
than the first!" 

Oh! that the Governments of Great Britain and France had 
paused awhile ere they took that fatal and delusive step ! 
the Crimean Expedition, — fatal because of its long and 
tedious course, when disease and death had marked 
many a warrior for an early tomb ! ere the din of battle was 
heard upon that distant shore ! Oh ! that the united 
Governments of Western Europe had called to the rescue such men 
as the upright, noble, and illustrious Louis Kossuth and Prince 
Czartoryski ! men whose names are on the lips ! and teeasueed 
in the heaets ! of the Hungarian and Polish nations ! men whose 
alliance would have sectteed the succoue of thousands and 
tens oe thousands of those yet valiant and mighty, though enslaved 
people ! A Council of War numbering two such men, would have 
marked the eea of the future Feeedom of the Woeld ! Without 
the aid of such men, the Governments of Western Europe 
must sink deeper and deeper in the quagmire into which 
they have dragged themselves ! What has been the result 
of the Western Governments neglecting to declare on the side 
of Poland and Hungary ? Why, the Polish arms that have been 
turned against them in the bloody and obstinate 
encounters in the Crimea would, on the Polish frontiers, have been 
EEVEESEd! accompanied with friendly and enthusiastic acclama- 
tions ! hailing with shouts of true Patriotism, their Allies and 
Deltveeees ! 

Another fatality is apparent by reason of the Crimean 
Expedition, when we consider that it gave Russia time 
and opportunity to fortify Poland, in raising impregnable 
barriers to an invading army, and investing that country with an 
array of troops that few nations, if any, had ever the misfortune to 
groan under. However, the worst and most diabolical 
feature of the case manifests itself in the Russian barbarity ! 
that ensued under such military occupation, when the peaceful 
inhabitants were treated without Mercy! and in the most 
revolting and cruel manner, that the very Fiends 
of Hell could not equal ! I will here give in a note one out of 
a number of such cases, the reading of which makes the blood thrill 
through my veins. ! I wish I could spare my readers the infliction 



REMARKS. 



Ixy 



of perusing such an account ; but as it is the trtjth, and when we 
consider what the sufferings of those whom we ought so dearly 
to remember and love had to endure, let us share with them 
their griefs and join in the general lamentation, 
by shedding Ihe burning heartfelt tears of Patriotism for the sufferers 
of unhappy Poland ! — for the sufferings of Paternal and Maternal 
woe ! (1) 

There is another account, of a still more recent date, which I feel 
it my duty to lay before the reader, as speaking trumpet-tongued 
against the fatal Crimean Expedition! which, among 
other alarming features, exhibits the levy by Kussia of more than 
€5©,©e© l»olisn Troops within the last year! 
and who would now be on the side of the Allies if they had but 
taken a step in the right direction. (2) 



(1) A Letter from Cracow, dated Tuesday, the 2d of January, 1855, and 
appearing in the Constitutionnel, says: — 

" The recruiting among: the Jews, and the carrying off for the Military 
Schools of Jewish Children aged from eight to ten ! causes amongst 
that class of inhabitants in Poland indescribable terror and desola- 
tion ! In all the Towns and Villages near Kielce nothing but weeping 
and lamentation is to be heard ! Mothers tear their hair and 
beat their heads against the walls I ! ! and Fathers sacrifice their 
last penny ! to buy off their Sons i 

" Recently an unfortunate man, whose Eldest Son, though just about 
to be married, had been carried off, went to the chief town of the province 
to beg that a younger son, who accompanied him, might be taken instead of 
his brother, but the Second Son was likewise taken, and the Elder 
was not given up ! This gave such a shock to the Father that he was 
taken ill, and in three days died ! I 

"The manner in which unfortunate recruits are treated is really 
cruel ! Thus, for example, those assembled at Kielce were not long i-ince, 
in spite of the cold, placed quite naked in rows in the street 
to undergo medical inspection ! ! " 

(2) "Cracow, Tues ay, January 9, 1855. — The accounts received from the 
other side of the frontier continue to give a melancholy picture of the 
state of things in Russian Poland, and the greater part of the weight 
of the war appears to be thrown— and perhaps not undesignedly- on 
the shoulders of that unfortunate Country ! Measures are being taken 
for hermetically closing the long line of frontier towards 
Germany, and cutting off all communication. At present the frontier 
guards allow travellers to pass i.ito Poland, provided their passports are en 
regie, and their names are not to be found in the List of the Proscribed ; 
but it is very difficult to get out again, so that comparatively but few persons 
take advantage of the permission, and those only on business of the last im- 
portance. Overwhelming as are the forced contributions of 
provisions for the troops and provender for the horses 
which the Inhabitants of Poland have to make as their quota 
of the war expenses, they may be considered light in comparison with 
those to which the Provinces of Podolia and the Ukraine are subjected. 
Those of Podolia alone amounted to several millions of silver roubles 
during the past year; and these forced contributions will never be 
paid for! Several thousand waggons, which, with the necessary number 
of horses and drivers, were required by the Government in the month of 

/2 



Ixvi 



fcEMAEKS. 



Another account, of a later date, informs ns that 20,000 
Poles were seized and dragged away at the dead 
hour of midnight ! from their fathers, wives, and children, 
by orders of the Hell-Fiend Russian Despot ! 

My Brother Patriots, let us now come to the plain question 

Of WHAT IS TO BE DONE, AND HOW AEE WE TO DO IT ? There 

can be no doubt on our minds as to the enfeebled state 
of internal Poland, more especially within the last 
year ! and that that nation could not, single-handed, expel her 
oppressors. If Poland is to rise again into life ! it will be from the 
sympathy and succour derived from the National Resources of 
Western Europe. I would put one question to you by way of 
parenthesis : — Is there any prospect of that desired advent taking 
place under the GrOVernment alliance a3 at present exist- 
ing between Great Britain and France ? I will take for granted 
that your reply will be in the negative. If so, what is to be done ? 
Are we to allow our National Sympathy to be sacrificed through 
a want of that representative sympathy on the part 
of the Government ? Again, I take it for granted that your re- 
sponse will be " No /" Well, what is to be done, and how are we 
to do it ? that is the interrogatory. First of all, as a Nation, we 
must oow and eeel our own independence. If we look in 
false dependence on a Government that disre- 
gards our National Appeals we become worse than slaves, 
and our supposed Freedom a mockery and a delu- 
sion ! 

In reference to various Meetings that have been held of late in 
England on behalf of Poland, I would wish to say a little. 
Although I have never personally attended any of those meetings, 

September last, for the transport of provisions, baggage, and soldiers, have 
not only not yet been returned, but have actually never since been 
heard of! They may have been sent to Siberia, or be sticking at this 
moment in the impassable sloughs of the Crimea ! 

"In many of the frontier towns of Podolia,— for instance, at Kaminitz, — 
hundreds of waggons are kept in readiness to be loaded at a moment's 
notice with the Fublic Treasury, Archives, and Books, and 
carry them to a place X)f safety more inland. These waggons are 
relieved every fortnight. 

" Recruiting is carried on in Poland to a greater extent, 
and with more oppressive severity, than in Russia Proper. 
The third levy in particular was most heavily felt, so that 
when it is completed, Poland will have but few men left 
capable of bearing arms. More than 60,000 men have been 
raised in Poland during the past year" ! ! ! 



HEM ARKS. 



Ixvii 



still I have been a silent observer of the Patriotic feeling of the 
Nation exhibited on such occasions ; and it has been a source of 
grief to me that they were unattended with any practical results. 
Resolutions were proposed and seconded in eloquent appeals ; 
numerous Petitions to Parliament received the enthusiastic approval 
of crowded assemblies ; and in the usual formality the Petitions 
were presented to the House of Commons, and ordered (as a matter 
of course) to "lie on the table" ! But when the all-important sub- 
ject of those Petitions came to be considered and discussed, the 
National Feeling of Great Britain was trampled upon, 
and suffered to die a natural death in the hands of a traitorous 
Government ! Should that be so, my Brothers ? Are the 
feelings of a nation to be ignored after such a fashion ? But let 
me see, I fancy I discover a want of a geneeal National 
Sympathy that requires to be aeoused ! Those Meetings, although 
numerous, were not general. I fear we cannot term them 
general expressions of Patriotism, from which the body of the 
Nation, taken as a whole, stood isolated ! The former exhibition 
of Patriotism that emanated previous to and at the time Poland 
was Partitioned, proved unsuccessful from a similar cause. A 
limited movement seldom makes an impression ; whereas, a 
geneeal and continuous movement, on the contrary, is sure to 
carry its weight. However, I would not wish it to be supposed 
that it is my object (in the present critical state of the world) to 
have a general feeling of Patriotism aroused for no other purpose 
than to waste the precious moments in the idle and dan- 
gerous folly of preparing 66 Petitions for Parlia- 
ment"! and sending 66 Addresses" ! to the Queen. If 
such were to be the upshot of the national feeling ! I say 
down wills it for ever I There is no greater Hugoear 
to the rational and meditative mind when it beholds that unre- 
flecting mania which ha3 taken possession of the ob- 
scured comprehensions of not a few, who are vainly 
hoping and endeavouring to accomplish some good through that 
apparently most prolific yet sadly delusive source, 
the Mouse of Commons ! 

In answer to the question, what is to be done for the relief of 
Poland and Hungary, and how are we to set about it ? I will here 
give my views in a condensed form, on this most impoetant of all 



lxviii 



HEM ARES. 



earthly considerations ! Would that I could give the whole of my 
sentiments and convictions on this momentous subject ; but it will 
altogether depend upon how my Abstract views are responded to, 
when, if successful in arp using the dormant Spirit of Patriotism, 
it will afford me (D.V.) considerable gratification in coming forward 
and giving the whole of my plans in a subsequent publication. 

As a preliminary observation, I have to call the attention of my 
Brother Patriots to the second Prophetic vision ! in the Drama 
of " the Fall of Poland," page 70, which foretells that Poland 
will be raised up from her low and prostrate condition by the in- 
tervention and through the instrumentality of " Britannia,'' 
" Gallia," " Hibernia," and " Scotia." However, in case there 
may be some in whose minds a doubt may arise as to the meaning I 
intend to convey, when they would confound a Govern- 
ment with a Wational Agency ! I feel it my duty to remove 
that doubt, by drawing a wide distinction or line of demarcation 
between the two, and conferring the premeditated honour of rescuing 
Poland on the all-prevailing- will op the nation ! In con- 
sidering this all-important feature of the case, we must sever the 
Anti-sympathetic will of the Government ! from 
the truly sympathetic will of the nation ; if we mingle the 
two together, the sympathetic is lost ! in the pernicious 
and preponderating influence of the anti -sympathetic ! 

As the Polish and Hungarian Nations are precluded by the 
tyrannic will of despots from holding a Legislative 
Assembly, Diet, or Confederation, in their own countries, may I ask, 
will the National Will and Freedom of this country preclude 
our Brothers in exile from holding such councils in Great Britain ? 
I very much mistake the character and sympathetic feeling of this 
Nation for those oppressed countries, if any opposition would be 
raised against such a desired object. "Well, to come to the point and 
give you the Abstract : — 

First of all, we must learn to know ourselves individually, 
as so many units of which the British Nation as a whole should 
be composed and made up. When we have an individual know- 
ledge of ourselves, we will aspire to the knowledge of those around 
us, by which the happy effect is produced of feeling that we know 
and are known by the kindred sympathies of ourselves and others, 
forming one delightful harmony, when as a Nation we will become 
an undivided body ! 



EEMAHtfS. 



Ixix 



At present, I regret to say that the British Nation is composed 
of a vast number of disjointed parts I which we must knit 
together, before we can have any prospect of stirring and moving 
the National Machine in the right direction. 

Eeligious bigotry ! divides many ; Tory, "Whig, Radical, and 
Conservative principles, &c, divide others ; and a vast conglomeratic^, 
of parties and sects, all striving (with a contemptible vanity !) one 
against another, serve to destroy the symmetrical form of our 
National greatness ! 

The evil eye of €rovernment§ well know and encou- 
rage such disorders; when they are enabled to take a 
treacherous advantage of the national imbecility 
that presents itself, and ride rough shod over the nickering 
spirit of Patriotism, which now and then emanates from the Heaet 
of the Nation ! 

Oh ! my Fellow-Men, I implore of you, — I entreat of you, — I 
beseech of you, in the name of the Great and All-powerful God, 
who presides over the destinies of all nations, and for the sake of 
his Son Our Crucified Redeemer, give up this a will 1 discord, 
and join in the soul and spirit of true Patriotism, which knows and 
feels no other sentiment than that of love to Grod and love to one 
another. If we are not a nation in unity with ourselves, 
how can we call upon the French Nation to join us in our exer- 
tions for the regeneration of Poland and Hungary ? 

I will now draw to a conclusion, by giving a brief outline of what 
I propose to be the Rules for the Formation of a National Con- 
stitution. 



EXILES 



FOR THE FORMATION 

OF A 

NATIONAL CONSTITUTION 

THROUGHOUT 
HAVING FOR ITS OBJECT 

THE RESTORATION OF POLAND AND HUNGARY, 

AND 

THE PROTECTION OF GREAT BRITAIN AND FRANCE, 

FROM THE PREMEDITATED 

INVASION AND CONQUEST OF ALL EUROPE 

AND ITS ADJACENT ISLANDS 

By the RUSSIAN DESPOT. 



RULE I. 

In order to put down the aggressive system Russia has 
pursued and so obstinately carried on during and since the 
time of Peter the " Great," it is absolutely necessary, as a Saee- 
g-tjabd to Europe, Asia, and the World, to aeeest the pre- 
meditated invasion ! of France and the British Islands by 



REMARKS. 



Ixxi 



RE-ESTABLISHING the NATIONALITY OE POLAND and HUNGARY, the 

only channel through which that aggression can be over- 
come ! and the " Balance of Power" in Europe restored and upheld. 

RULE II. 

To effect the Restoration of Poland and Hungary, a Sele- 
National Union, apart from any C« ©veminent connec- 
tion, must be formed in each of the Four Western European 
Countries, bearing the respective denominations : — Britannia, 
Gallia, Hibernia, and Scotia. 

RULE III. 

When the Four distinct Sele-National Unions take place, 
having in view the one great and self-same object, the present 
diseased national state will be removed, and a pro- 
phylactic against any future disorders infused, by reason of a vast 
Quadruple Alliance in the National Supporting Union of the 
Four Countries. 

RULE IV. 

In order to obtain an Individual National Union in each 
country, there must be encouraged and created in each an individual 
and Continuous National Movement. 

RULE V. 

In order to effect an Individual National Movement, a primary 
appeal will be necessary to arouse the Sympathies and 
Patriotism oe all ! through the instrumentality of a General 
Agency. 

RULE VI. 

For the purpose of establishing a General Agency, it will be 
necessary to hold a Preliminary Meeting in London ; comprising 



lxxii 



EEHAEXS. 



the most prominent and active Pateiots, numbering Poles, 
Hungarians, French, English, Irish, and Scotch. 

RULE VII. 

Let said Meeting form a Peovisional Committee, which subse- 
quently is to be consolidated into a Peemanent Committee, with 
permission to add to the numerical Pateiotism of said Committee 
as the geeat National Cause advances. ' 

RULE VIII. 

Among the Proceedings and Plans that said Committee may 
devise in the regulation of a general Agency, let them adopt one in 
particular, viz. prepare a Notice to the effect that " A Geand 
National Demonstration will be held on a given day, in support 
of the cause of Poland and Hungary ! and for the protection of 
Western Europe from a premeditated Invasion by 
Russia" ! &c. &c. Let said Notice be printed and published 
in four forms : — 1st, As Placards, to be exhibited in the public 
thoroughfares throughout every city, town, and village, in the 
aforesaid countries, printing a certain number in the French 
language for posting throughout France. 2nd, As conspicuous 
Advertisements in the public journals, set out in a laegeb. type 
than is generally adopted, with signs of exclamation ! and so forth, 
to arrest the attention of those who seldom read Advertisements. 
3rd, To have struck off from 100,000 to 200,000 copies, or 
more, as the case may be, of said Notice in the form of Hand 
Bills, to be distributed throughout the length and bkeadth of 
the aforesaid countries. 4th, Have struck off the required number 
of Letters embodying said Notice, with some alterations giving it 
an epistolary character, and have them duly directed and forwarded 
through the General Post Office to the principal and leading men 
throughout what is now erroneously termed the " United 
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland," as also that of 
France, calling on said influential Gentlemen for their attendance 
and support at the aforesaid Geand National Demonsteation 
and if there are any of those to whom said Notices are sent who 



REMAKES. 



Ixxiii 



do not feel disposed or willing to respond thereto, it will be the 
duty of the Secretary of the National Committee to forestall such 
indisposition by appending at the foot of each Letter, in Postscript- 
form, a request that such Gentleman or Gentlemen will be pleased 
to notify game in writing, together with his or their reasons 
for not joining the Grand National Demonstration. And, 
furthermore, let said reasons or objections, if any, be Enrolled 
and Registered in a Book or Books kept for that purpose, the Secre- 
tary taking the precaution to file all the original documents, with 
the envelopes of same annexed to each, in order to preserve the post- 
mark, in case said documents may subsequently have to be referred 
to, as occasion may offer and the members of the National Consti- 
tution may think proper. And, furthermore, in the event of any 
case or cases arising where M© Motice! is taken of said Letters, 
it will be the duty of the Secretary, after the lapse of fourteen or 
twenty-one days at farthest, to note down opposite the Mame ! of 
each party the words 66 Mo Answer !" to be afterwards made 
use of as the Members of the National Constitution may deem jit. 

RULE IX. 

Taking it for granted that said National Demonstration is con- 
vened and successful by a full attendance on the part of the several 
deputations from the aforesaid countries, it is then the duty of the 
Meeting to proceed to work, and to select and appoint from 
among the assembled deputations Four Committees, to be 
denominated the " Central Permanent National Committees," in 
manner following : — 1st, The English National Committee, already 
formed into a Provisional to become a Central Permanent 
National Committee for all England. 2nd, A French Central 
Permanent National Committee for all France. 3rd, An Irish 
Central Permanent National Committee for all Ireland. 4th. A 
Scotch Central Permanent National Committee for all Scotland. 

RULE X. 

The aforesaid Central Committees are to hold weekly or more 
frequent Meetings, as the case may demand, in Public Edifices, 

9 



lxxiv 



EEMAEKS. 



selected and appropriated for that purpose only, in the Metropolitan 
Towns of London, Paris, Dublin, and Edinburgh. 

RULE XI. 

In order to Speead the Pateiotic movement, and to make it 
become GENEBAL and lasting, it will be the duty of the several 
Central Committees to form beanch Associations, by which the 
Arterial System of the Sympathetic Patriotism of the Country may 
be kept up in unison with the Main or Central Artery, flowing 
on in uninteeetjpted healthful action, imparting liee and 
animation to each member of the National body. 



RULE XII. 

Independent of the Weekly Meetings to be held by the Four 
Central Committees in their respective localities, it will be necessary 
to convene a Monthly Meeting in London, comprising the English 
Central Committee, with deputations from the French, Irish, and 
Scotch Central Committees, for the purpose of ascertaining the 
G-eneral feeling, and how far the National Cause has progressed, 
and to consult upon what means may be further devised for the 
National development taken collectively. 

RULE XIII. 

Out of the materials composed of the combined National Will 
of the Western Sons of Liberty may be laid the foundation and erected 
that Glorious Structure— a National Constitution ! which is to 
guide the National Will on the Path to Victoey against 
Russian aggression and despotism! (1) 



(1) Of the Laws by which the National Constitution will be regulated I dis- 
pense with the task (from their voluminous import) of giving even an abstract 
recital ; but show in the subsequent Rules the main object the National 
Constitution will have at heart. 



REMARKS. 



Ixxv 



RULE XIV. 

In a Financial point of view, the National Constitution will be 
amply provided for, in the Patriotic endeavours of each 
individual member, without having to place themselves under 
the humiliating posture as mendicants before the 
closed portals of the Government Treasury ! 

RULE XV. 

A Corresponding- Agency is constantly to be kept up between 
the Members of the National Constitution and the Polish and Hun- 
garian nations, w r ho are to be informed of the glorious work in 
progress for obtaining their National Freedom. 

RULE XVI. 

Polish Soldiers who are forced to serve in the ranks of the Russian 
Despot are also to be comimmicated with, and informed of the 
period when they may reckon on their deliverance, when the crushed 
spirit of 'patriotism will rise once more in their breasts, and burst the 
OOnds ©f the Oppressor in a successful revolt ! 

RULE XVII. 

The primary object the National Constitution will have in view 
is to raise a certain number of Troops throughout Britannia, 
G-allia, Hibernia, and Scotia, for the purpose of acting against the 
Russian, Prussian, and Austrian forces. 



RULE XVIII. 



The number of Troops to be levied must amount to 500,000, of 
which 800,000 will be kept on active service, the other 200,000 
forming a recruiting reserve in case of casualties. 



lxxvi 



HEM ARKS. 



RULE XIX. 

After said body of men (300,000) go through the regular Military 
discipline, under the orders of proper Officers in the British and 
French Service, assisted by skilful Polish and Hungarian Generals, 
they are to proceed, with all their artillery and battering-rams, 
through Germany, putting down all opposition ! that may 
be raised by the Germanic Eus- Prus- and Austrian Tribes ; then 
enter Poland, attack and seize all the fortresses, &c. (recently 
ereetetl) at the same time ! taking the precaution, however 
(after securing the most Prominent Ringleaders ! and 
expelling the remnant of the Muscovite Harbarians !), to 
hold said Fortresses and occupy same with Troops, when the 
National Patriotism of the released and grateful Inhabitants will 
raise a new and permanent Constitution for the lasting 
Freedom of Poland, on the Czartoryski Dynasty ! 



RULE XX. 

The erection of the New Polish Constitution is to be followed by 
similar victories over tlie Austrian Troops and the 

occupation op Hungary, when the National Patriotism of the 
released and grateful inhabitants will raise a NEW AND permanent 
Constitution for the lasting Freedom of Hungary, on the 
Kossuth Dynasty 1 

RULE XXI. 

When the Reconstruction of Poland and Hungary takes 
place, then, and not till then ! will the Peace oe Europe and 
the World be restored, and the true Balance oe Power esta- 
blished and maintained ! 



One parting word, and I have done. 

As a medium in the hands of the public, the Drama of " The 



REMARKS. 



Ixxvii 



Fall of Poland" may be made an instrument for arousing the 
dormant Patriotism arid Sympathy of Western Europe on 
behalf of unhappy Poland, whether as an Historical production, 
to be read to the assembled family around the domestic hearth, or 
as the property of the general public, who would feel desirous of 
seeing the Drama brought forward on the Stage. 

I am one of those who consider that the Stage has its use as well 
as its a&H§e : — its use comes in question when an instructive 
Historical reality is pourtrayed ; its aJt>8S§e ! when I^ietion is 

put forward as an alleged historical fact ! 

Of all historical facts, I am persuaded there is none nearer to the 
heart ! of true Patriotism than the unhappy fate of Poland in 1794, 
when the noble Kosciusko eell, pierced and covered with wounds, 
in Defence of the Glorious Cause of Freedom ! and to which 
historical fact, together with the historical circumstances that led 
thereto, the Drama strictly adheres, and faithfully represents. 

I have no doubt, that if the Drama of " The Fall of Poland" 
could be efficiently brought forward on the Stage at the present 
time, when the public mind is looking on all sides with the most 
intense anxiety to see " when ?" and " how ?" Poland will be 
"righted," that it would go far to establish a beginning to the 
"GRAND NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION" and "NATIONAL 
CONSTITUTION" I have already referred to, as the means hy 
and through which Poland will be raised up, from her low and 
prostrate state, — 

" To the bright pinnacle of Liberty,— 

An Ornament to Nations ; bless'd on Earth, 
"While water'd with the dews from Heav'n above." 

With feelings of the most devoted attachment to the Glorious 
and Immortal Cause of Patriotism, I beg leave again to subscribe 
myself, the faithful Brother of all True Friends and Promoters of 
Liberty, 

A PATRIOT. 

3d of May (1), 1855. 



(1) The Sixty-fourth Anniversary of the New Constitution, 3d of May, 
1791, when Poland for a time bad breathed the air of Freedom ! 

9* 



ERRATA OF REMARKS. 



Page xxxvii. lines 28 and 29, for " and to establish, as formerly, 
an independent kingdom under the ancient and illustrious house of 
Hapsburg," read " and to establish a free and independent Consti- 
tutional Grovernment." The reason the Author was led into this 
inadvertent mistake, arose from the Historical Fact, that the first 
Prince of the House of Hapsburg who reigned in Hungary 
(Ferdinand I.) was elected King of Hungary by the unanimous 
consent of the Hungarian Diet in 1526. (1) 

Page xxxix. lines 2 and 3, for " 17th of March," read " 17th of 
February." 

Page xlv. line 3, for " is that of the Grermanic States," read " are 
those of the Grermanic States." 

Page h. lines 5 and 6, for cc that there never was a falser 
statement ! from the lips of any Minister !" read " that there 
never fell from tne lips of any Minister a 
falser statement!" 

Page lix. line 28, for " Eussian intermeddling," read " Prussian 
intermeddling." 



(1) Hapsburg, or Habsburg-, is a village of Switzerland, with ruins of a 
castle, the original seat of the present imperial family of Austria, from 
whence originated the denomination of the " House of Hapsburg'." 



THE 



FALL OF POLAND. 



THE POLISH ARMS. 

Poland (King of). Qttaktekly: first and fourth, gu. (1), an 
Eagle displayed ar. (2) beaked, membered, and crowned or (3) 
for Poland : second and third, gules, a Cavalier, completely 
accoutred in Armour, on a Horse in full speed, argent, in his 
dexter (4) hand a drawn sword ; on the sinister (5), a shield 
azure (6), thereon a Patriarchal Cross argent for Lithuania (Jagellon) : 
over all an Escutcheon of Pretence, per fesse sable (7) and argent (8) : 
two swords in saltier (9), their points in chief gules, hilts (10), and 
pommels (11), or impaling (12) Saxony. 

THE POLISH CREST. 

Poland {King of). On an Imperial Crown an Eagle displayed, 
as in the Arms ; the shield encompassed with the Ensigns of the 
Order of the White Eagle. 

THE POLISH COCKADE. 

• The Polish Cockade is composed of Azure representing the 
Sapphire and Planet Jupiter / the Or or Amaranth, representing 
the Topaz and Planet Sol. The outer circle of the Cockade is 
formed by the Blue Ribbon ; the inner circle, centre, and body 
thereof are formed by the Yellow or G-old Ribbon. The Cockade 
Colours of Poland, in preference to others, have been adopted as the 
most National and suitable for the Cover of this Book ; — 1st, the 
Blue cloth ; 2nd, the Arms and Crest of Poland stamped thereon in 
G-old or Amaranth (13). 

THE HUNGARIAN COCKADE. 

The Hungarian Cockade is composed of Grules representing the 
Ruby and Planet Mars; the Argent representing the Pearl and 
Planet Luna ; the Yert representing the Emerald and Planet Venus. 
The outer circle of the Cockade is formed by the Red Ribbon ; the 
next circle thereto is formed by the White Ribbon ; and the inner 
circle, centre, and body thereof are formed by the G-reen Ribbon. 



Annotations explanatory of the coloured Arms, fyc. of Poland. 
(1) Gu. or Gules, red. (2) Ar. or Ardent, white or silver. (3) Or, yellow or 
gold. (4) Dexter, right. (5) Sinister, left. (6) Azure, blue. (7) Escutcheon, 
semi-black. (8) Escutcheon, semi-white. (9) Saltier, in the form of a cross. 
(10; Hilts, handles. (11) Pommels, the knots that balance the blades of the 
swords. (12) impaling-, halving- or dividing. (13) The reason why the term 
Amaranth is used by thp Poles as expressive of one of their National Colours, 
takes its rise from the Swedish Order of Knighthood, termed the Amaranta 
or Amaranth, representing a Jewel of Gold, and which colour forms the body 
and centre of the Polish Cockade. This Order was instituted in the year 
1645, by Christina, Queen of Sweden, daughter of Gustavus Adolphus, in 
honour of a lady of the name of Amaranta, equally celebrated for beauty and 
virtue; but the Order did not survive the foundress. The ensign of the 
Order was a Jewel of Gold, composed of two great A 's joined together, 
one being reversed, enriched on both sides with diamonds, and set within a 
wreath of laurel leaves, headed with white, bearing the motto " Dolce nella 
memoria." This badge was worn either pendent to a gold chain or a crimson 
or blue ribbon at pleasure. Amaranth is also a botanical term ; and used in 
poetry as denoting an imaginary unfading flower. 



AN 




p OLA^ 



1794. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 



POLES— MEN. 

Kosciusko the Polish Dictator and Generalissimo. 

Madalinski a friend^ General, and Ambassador thereof. 

Dzialinski Do. Do. and husband of Chrysillida. 

Kollozn'Tay Do. Do. and consort of Radziwilla. 



Prince Charles, a Mute, about 15 years of age {appearing only 
in Act II. Scene 1, and Act IV. Scene 6), a Lithuanian, 
and spn of the Princess Lubomirski. 

PRUSSIANS— MEN. 



Frederic William ...the King of Prussia. 

Bucholz his Minister of State and Ambassador. 

RUSSIANS— MEN. 

Sietees ! a Minister of State. 

Igolsteum Do. his successor. 

Suwarrow y ; General. 

Ferzen General. 



FEMALE RUSSIANS. 

Catherine II the Empress of Muscovy or all the Russias. 

Her Maids oe Honor, Mute {appearing only in Act III. Sc. 3). 

FEMALE POLES. 

Princess Lubomirski, a Lithuanian, and mother to Prince Charles. 

Chrysillida the spouse of Dzialinski. 

Eadzitvilla the consort of Kollontay. 



Polish, Rrussian, and Russian Soldiers, etc. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS 

OF 

THE RESPECTIVE SCENES. 



ACT I. 

PAGE 

Scene 1 Bucholz, Sieyees, Kosciusko, Kollontay 1 

— 2 Catherine, Frederic, Sieyers, Ferzen, 

Madalinski, Bucjsolz 8 

— 3 Dzialinski, Kollontay, Chrysillida, 

Eadziwilla 16 

— 4 Madalinski, Kosciusko, &c 20 



ACT II. 

Scene 1 The Princess Lubomirski, Kosciusko, &c. 25 

— 2 Igolstrum, Frederic, Madalinski 32 

— 3 Suwarrow, Eadziwilla, Chrysillida, 

dzialinski, kollontay, &c 36 



ACT III. 

Scene 1 Kosciusko, Dzialinski, Kollontay, &c... 45 

— 2 Suwarrow, Catherine, the Princess 

Lubomirski 51 

— 3 Kosciusko, Madalinski, Catherine, &c. 58 



ACT IV. 

Scene 1 {the Vision Scene.) Frederic, Kosciusko, 

Madalinski, &c 66 

— 2 Suwarrow, Eadziwilla, Chrysillida, 

(the latter two over the dead bodies of 
their husbands), Kosciusko, &c 72 

— 3 Frederic, &c 77 

— 4 Madalinski, Kosciusko , 79 

— 5 Madalinski, &c 82 

— 6 Kosciusko, Ferzen, Chrysillida, Eadzi- 

willa, the Princess Lubomirski, &c. 84 



THE DRAMA. 



THE 



FALL OF POLAND. 



ACT I. Scene I. 
A Hall, in an ancient castle, with central pillars. 



Enter Bucholz and Sieve&s, in converse with each other. 

Bitch. I almost pity that deluded King. 

Siev. Pity ! I almost hold him in disdain. 

Couldst thou suppose that he, who now delights 
In all the follies of this wild uproar, — 
Hath givn this very Constitution up, 
This new concocted scheme of liberty ? 

Bitch. Indeed ! 

Siev. It is a bubble that will shortly burst, 
An evanescent mania of th' times. 
No later than last night he fully spoke 
Th' various workings of his feeble mind ; 
Told me he'd play the fool to-day, and strive 
With all his might to wipe the sin away 
By penance and contrition on th' morrow. 

Bitch. Then I'd pronounce him — but it matters not ; 
The proper comment in your thoughts supply. 



2 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



Is he not head of that confed'rate clan 
Who first dissented from his loye of change ? 

Siev. You mean the Council of Targowica r 

Bitch. The very same. 

Siev. Odd as it seems, he's now their President, 

Thus heading his opponents 'gainst himself. 

Bttch. "Whence did that strange anomaly arise ? 

Siev. The Empress with her own consummate skill 
Compell'd the wayward King to undulate 
In retrospective course, like Ocean's tide. 
ISTor could the sea surpass him in that point, 
So regularly he both ebbs and flows 
"Within the space that measures day and night. 

Bitch. That Council, too, forgetful whence it sprang, 
Of late appears to roll from side to side. 

Siev. There is the greater marvel ! what a scene ! 

The Polish Sov'reign first to them consigns 
His love of liberty : — and they, in turn, 
Most shamefully desert th' Imperial cause, 
T' burn their incense at the shrine of Freedom. 

Btjch. {looking to one side.) 

Behold ! the Polish chieftain is at hand ; — 
He comes with Kollontay ; — let us retire, 
With open ears, if not with open arms, 
To wait his salutation ; — whispers oft 
Whole volumes of intelligence impart. 

{They cautiously withdraw towards the rear.) 

Mnter {in front) Kosciusko and Kollontay, 

Kos. Is it the King they seek ? 
Kol. "No, but thyself, Chief ;— in haste they glide 
Like birds of rapine on the stormy wind. 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



3 



>s. Then let thein come, like vultures to the gale 

Of human carnage, and select their prey. 
)L. I trust the victims will be our's to choose. 

{Aside to JTosciusIco, on perceiving the Envoys.) 

But they are listening, and expect to gain 

The recompense of list'ners. 
)S. The ear of Dionysius is long-fam'd ; 

Perhaps his envoys gave it all its pow'r. 
)L. Of this he certain, — these ambassadors 

Would form the largest ear in Christendom. 
)S. Nothing more likely; yet, to waive that point, 

Are the troops ready for th' intended march ? 
>l. They are, rever'd Dictator. 

)S. Haste, then, — return to thine expectant friends ; 
Salute them all for me ! nor fail to fly 
From that dark glen ; th' moment you can do so, 
Leave it without delay, — I know it well. 

{Aside, to himself.) {Exit Kollontay .) 

Thus have I ventur'd to resume the helm 
Amid the boiling surge of civil war. 
No other course was left me, save to sink 
Together with my country, — or with her 
To brave the scowling tempest that now reigns. 
At such a time th' office of Dictator 
Need not excite much envy, altho' arm'd 
With all the powers of supreme command. 

{Turning round, and addressing the Ambassa- 
dors, who now come forward.) 
Envoy of Eussia, hail ! and thou of Prussia ! 
By what impell'd could two such potentates 
Yield such an honour with combin'd effect ? 

ev. {somewhat embarrassed, and presenting a Letter,) 
This letter from his Polish Majesty 
Will speak at once-th' purport of our visit. 



4 THE FALL OF POLAND. 

Kos. {taking the Letter, and putting it in his pocket.) 
Perhaps I need not read it, as inform' d 
Already, I anticipate its aim. 

Both the Envoys. 

Inform' d already ! 

Kos. It takes away my military post, 

Leaving you free to cultivate your schemes, 
To put your wise, sagacious heads together, 
Planning a new dismemberment of Poland. 

Siev. It is most strange ! 

Bitch. I thought no Pole, save Stanislas himself, 
Could have an intimation of the kind. 

Siev. Yet hold ; perhaps this insight from thyself 

Alone takes rise in reason's deep discernment ? 

Kos. No, truly, but from knowledge well deriv'd. 

Siev. {sternly looking at Bucholz.) 

Then, by the Just ! there's one of us, past doubt, 
A faithless representative of royalty. 

Btjch. {retorting frown for frown.) 

Nothing more true ! and thou'rt the very man. 

Siev. I cannot bear this imputation ; — draw ! 

Btjch. Thou'lt ever find me ready as thyself 

To vindicate mine honour ; so come on ! 

{Both the Envoys unsheath their swords, and 
are about to engage each other.) 

Kos. {interposing.) 

Pause for awhile, rash men ; attend to me. 
You neither told me, Sievers ; nor did you, 
Bucholz : — and yet the meditated plot 
Hath reach'd mine ears from an undoubted source. 
Of this no more. My author I'll reveal 
Never, — long as the current of my life 
Pursues her earthly course. Thus you shall know 
How well I keep my secrets ; while your thoughts, 



THE PALL OF POLAND. 



5 



Committed to the vagrancy of speech, 

Can waft their way with circulating pow'r. 

Put up your swords, then, with prudential valour, 

And use them only in your country's cause. 

I blame not those who're faithful to their trust, 

Whate'er their climate or their nation be. 

(The Envoys sheath their swords.) 

Siev. Most gen'rous chieftain, with such noble views, 
I think your int'rest at the Russian court 
Might yet be of vast moment, and, no doubt, 
The harbinger of blessings to this land. 
The Empress only needs to know you well, 
To take you to her counsels and esteem. 
(Dr diving Kosciusko aside.) 

Weary of others and their veering course, 
Suppose she ev'n conferr'd on thee a sceptre ; 
"Would Kosciusko deign to cultivate 
Imperial friendship for an honour } d crown ? 

Kos. "What ! dost thou dare t' play upon mine honour, 
Perturbate spirit of the Northern blast ? — 
To blunt my energies, or cool them down 
To the low standard of your freezing point ? 
May Hell herself, with all her seas of fire, 
First light upon my soul ; or whirl me up, 
Amid her rarer elements of wrath, 
The awful sport of her electric flames ! 
Or may the Universe in one vast orb 
Of desolating rage, roll wave on wave, 
And thunder at my lot with ceaseless ire, — 
Ere I forget my country, or become 
The frigid creature of a Despot 1 s smiles ! 
No ; — 'tis revolting to my inmost pore ; — 
Ear other objects animate my mind ; — 
The renovation of my native land, — 
b 2 



6 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



The restoration of her plunder' d rights, — 
Th' re-establishment of all her glory ; — 
These, these alone, can plant their standard there, 
Or gain an endless empire in my heart. 

( The Envoys seem struck with astonishment ; 
and Kosciusko wheels round.) 
(taking out the Letter, and opening it.) 
Now for the royal favour ; 

Let me read. 

(JSe silently peruses it. Sievers keeps pacing 
about in deep thought; meanwhile) 

Buch. (aside.) 

What could the Russian minister have said 
To draw forth such a torrent of disdain ? 
A certain species of concealment hangs 
O'er all his projects ; and, though join'd with me 
Ostensibly in this momentous bus'ness, 
He never falters at abstruse designs. 
How fortunate it is that he's recall' d, 
And only waits for Igolstrum's arrival ! 
Ev'n in the interim, however short, 
His dubious counsels I'll no longer brook ; — 
No ; — to the Empress let me now repair, 
And there consult my royal sire, her guest. 
No doubt, this herald, when he finds me gone, 
Will follow me as swiftly as the wind ; — 
To try him, then, on bottom, — off I go. 
(Contumelioushj, and still aside.) 

Poor superseded Sievers ! fare thee well ! 

{Exit Buchoh.) 

Kos. (aside, ceasing to read.) 

I now begin to penetrate their object : 
Dismiss'd by Stanislas, these wise men say, 
Let us detach him from the pop'lar cause. 



THE FAIL OF POLAND. 



7 



'Tis deeply plann'd, and worthy of its source. 
{To Sievers.) 

How soon do yon expect to see the King ? 

Siev. Perhaps to-day ; and we, in truth, consented 
To this mediation, solely because 
'Tis confidential and requires despatch. 

Kos. Then be it so, — and short be my reply. 

Tell him his Gen'ral hath resign' d the trust 
Held by the sanction of his Majesty ; — 
Nor fail to tell him that my country's chief, 
The new Dictator, will protect him still. 

Siev. Excuse me, Kosciusko, but this seems 
Far too indefinite or undefin'd. 

Kos. Pear not, friend Sievers, he'll understand me 
As thoroughly as you do ; and I'm sure 
I need not go beyond that ample test. 

{Exit Kosciusko.) 

Siev. {solus, looking all around.) 

But where is Bucholz ? I must after him. 
His flight on this occasion seems unkind. 

{Exit Sievers, in great haste.) 



{The Scene changes.) 



8 



THE PALL OP POLAND. 



ACT I. Scene II. 

A garden, having two splendid vistas therein, one near one 
side, and the other near the opposite side. These vistas 
command a long perspective opening on a distant country. 
Halfway down the vistas you can go from one to the 
other by a cross avenue, which is altogether unseen by the 
audience. 



Enter, near the front, Catherine and Frederic, in converse. 

Cath. {aside.) 

I ne'er beheld so subtle an opponent ; 

Just as you think he's captur'd, off he goes 

To rhapsodize the beauties of a flow'r. 
Feed. Why is the Empress silent ? 
Cath. She pauses for his Majesty's reply. 
Feed. "We both are pausing then. 
Cath. {aside.) 

His ingenuity exceeds belief ; 

He sports away his adversary's lunge, 

And renders triumph pow'rless as defeat. 
Feed. Is it Minerva's resolute intent 

To probe my motives with such keen desire ? 
Cath. {aside.) 

There is another parry, thus to turn 

My opposition into vain conceit. 
Fred. Speak, mighty Empress, or my thoughts surmise 

The coming of Bellona in a storm. 



THE FALL OF POLAKD. 



9 



Cath. {aside.) 

Minerva and Bellona ! Wisdom, War ! — 
What shall I next become ? 

Feed. that I knew the title best belov'd ! 

I'd give it from the bottom of my heart, • 
To tempt this angel into speech once more, 

Cath. {aside.) 

I'll torture him with silence, till I gain 

The answer his duplicity withholds. 

He knows not Cath'rine, who presumes to play 

Upon her intellect, or dares to fly 

To snch expedients on the gravest points. 

Feed. Fairest Diana, wilt thou ne'er respond ? 

that I had the memorable lyre 

Of long-fam'd Orpheus ! I would make the woods, 
The floods, the very rocks reverberate 
T' awaken nature from her speechless trance. 
Cath. {aside.) 

1 cannot stand it longer. {To him.) Hear me, sir; 
The subject of our conference demands 

A plain and candid answer ; — hence I swear 
T' speak with thee no more, till I obtain it. 

{Hereupon, Catherine suddenly enters one of 
the vistas, and is immediately followed by 
Frederic in an apparently supplicating 
manner. They appear there in conversation 
for some time, till they pass into the cross 
avenue; meanwhile) 

Enter {in front) S levees and Fekzept. 

Siev. The cause of my dismissal is so strange, 

I'm half inclin'd to think the Empress will 
On due reflection change her hasty course. 



10 THE FALL OF POLAND. 

Feez. It is not easy to revoke her acts. 

Siev. Wilt thou assist me ? 

Peez. Yes, if I really can serve thy suit ; — 

But, should thy prospects, like a misty cloud, 
Rest on no better basis than mere air, 
You need not calculate on my support. 
Siev. !No, certainly ; nor should I think t' engage 
In any fruitless effort to regain 
The royal favour ; — that would make bad worse. 
Ferz. Perhaps 'twere better first to feel your way, 
Relying on thy personal repute. 
Let me reflect. The Empress is at hand ; — 
Suppose you seek an interview to-day ? 
Some op'ning might be gain'd. Yet do not press 
Thine application beyond certain bounds. 
If at the outset you receive repulse, 
Retire immediately, and rest assur'd 
All present hopes of victory are gone. 
Siev. Such is my own impression. Hence, at first, 
I'll try mine unassisted influence. 
As an important matter leads thee, also, 
To an interview, mark how rolls the tide, 
"Whether propitious or against thy friend. 
If needful, and if likely to succeed, 
Give him thine aid, and help him into port. 
But, lo ! th' invidious Bucholz now approaches, 
And with him, Madalinski. Let's withdraw! 

{They go merely a short distance from the 
front, into one of the vistas, so as to remain 
there in view to the audience. Meanwhile, 
Catherine and Frederic, having quitted the 
cross avenue, and thence entered {in that 
point) the other vista, and being for some 
time visible therein, now issue from it. Just 
as they come out of that vista), 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



11 



Enter Madalinset and Bucholz, meeting them there. 

Cath. {coming forward.) 

Count Oginski, what's your mission? 
Madal. {aside.) 

I'm taken for Oginski ; 'tis as well. 
( To her) Most mighty Empress, it of late appears 

Th' Polish Patriots have join'd in Council. 
Cath. Hah ! 

Madal. Their first decree to Kosciusko gives 

The office of Dictator ! 
Cath. The office of Dictator ! 
Madal. E'en so ; and they've another post conferr'd 
On their fam'd favourite, who now is chief 
In military influence and rank. 
Cath. What have they done with your illustrious King ? 
Madal. To use his Majesty's own words, they've eas'd 

The Monarch of a multitude of cares. 
Cath. Yes ! and 'tis well if he retain his crown. 
Madal. He prays an audience of th' great Tzarina, 

And hopes t'obtain it with monarchal grace. 
Cath. Tell him he has it, and to come prepar'd. 

( She looks around very significantly, and takes 
Madalinski aside, saying in a very angry 
whisper, as follows :) 
Ay, let him come prepar'd, if possible, 
T' avert my resolution and disdain ! 

{Exit MadalinsM, howing.) 

Feed, {to Buchoh.) 

Bucholz, dost thou too, come t' amuse us all 
With like intelligence of Patriot Counsels ? 

{Bucholz takes a large official Letter out of his 
pocket, and presents it to King Frederic. ) 



12 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



This letter will inform your Majesty. 

{Frederic holes at the seal, and then at the 
direction.) 
How came you by it ? 
On an' imprison' d courier it was found. 
'Tis not to me ; — I cannot break the seal. 
Go and despatch it to its destination. 
What ! ev'n to Kosciusko ? 
'Tis to him. 

What means this wayward playfulness, King ? 
Permit me to peruse th' superscription. 
Madam, receive it, with unbounded thanks 
For the great honour thus conferr'd on me. 

{Catherine takes the Letter from him, and 
reads aloud the direction thereof as follows :) 

" To the Most Excellent 

" Thaddeus Kosciusko, &c. &c. &c. 

" Dictator and Generalissimo of Poland." 

Cath. Fine titles for a rebel 1 

Fred, {aside.) 

How harsh that epithet to such a man ! 

Cath. May I break the seal I 

Feed. How could I sanction it ? 

Cath. Dost thou refuse me ? 

Feed. I leave th' Empress to her own discretion. 

Cath. Discretion ! "What ! with patriotic fools ? 

Feed. Do as you please, then, madam ! I have done. 

Cath. Then thus it pleaseth me. 

{She dashes open the Letter with evident symp- 
toms of great excitement, and proceeds to 
read its contents.) 

Feed, {aside.) 

Oh ! what an outrage ! Shall I now retire, 



Bitch. 



Feed. 
Btjch. 
Feed. 

Btjch. 
Feed. 
Cath. 

Feed. 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



13 



And walk away with Bucholz by the arm ? 
'Twould serve th' lady as she justly merits; 
Eut how should I accomplish my designs ? 
Ay, there's the rub ! for Thorn and Dantzig both, 
Those fam'd emporiums of commercial wealth, 
Would thence be lost, and Prussia still deprh'd 
Of that ascendancy for which I pant. 
Down, then, my spirit, and prepare to kiss, 
If requisite, her neat imperial foot. 

Buch. {aside, to Frederic most gravely.) 

What hath your Majesty resolv'd to do? 

Feed, {humorously.) 

To kiss her, if she let me ; that's my way. 
Nor is't ignoble with her charming sex 
T' abound in many sweet civilities. 
# Upon my honour, after all they say 
Of Petticoat dominion, it oft serves 
Our purpose letter, and with vast effect. . 

Buch. In matters of political intrigue, 

It's sway is most illusive and severe. 

Fred. That springs from gentlemen like thee, my friend, 
Advising measures of a certain class : — 
But tell me, what would all the realms on earth, 
And more especially their governments, 
Do without lovely woman ? Poh ! 'tis plain, 
If 'reft of that maternal source of being, 
The world itself with all its peopled climes 
Would soon become a den for beasts of prey. 

Buch. Thy arguments are too proline, sire, 

To be withstood on such a gen'ral base. 
But in this instance e'en my fancy fails 
T' expect an honour' d or approv'd result. 

Fred. Be quiet, Bucholz ; keep thy spirit down ; 
Be silent in due season, and behold 



c 



14 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



The happy issue with a Mentor's eye. 

( Catherine comes forward, and takes Frederic 
aisde.) 

Cath. Fred'ric, I wish to speak with thee in private. 
Peed. I'm humbly at your service at all times. 

{Catherine now perceives Sievers in waiting, 
and questions him sternly.) 
Cath. Sievers, your business ? 
Siev. The seals of office have been ta'en away 

From one who serv'd your Majesty most truly. 
Cath. There we differ. 
Siev. Allow me to expostulate awhile ! 
Cath. ~No, not a word ; my firm resolve is this, — 

Sievers, thou art my minister no more. 

(She turns away from him, and recognises 
Ferzen. Exit Sievers.) # 

Ferzen, what takes you here ? I'm much surpris'd 

You've left the seat of war. Is Polish pride 

Sufficiently put down t' give you respite ? 
Peez. Madam, I seek no respite ; but I come 

To do a kindness for an honour' d friend. 

A Polish Count, who once preserv'd my life, 

Is now in chains, and to Siberia goes — 

Except Imperial mercy interfere. 
Cath. Another time I'll hear thee on this point; 

I'm not at leisure to decide it note ; — 

Meanwhile, knock off his chains, and treat him well. 

G-o to the tented field without delay, 

And there erase the spirit of revolt. 
Peez. I thank thee, mighty Empress, and obey. 

(Exit Ferzen. Catherine takes Frederic aside, 
and there speaks as follows :) 
Cath. Fred'ric, you dine with me to day. Invite 

Your good ambassador at six o'clock. 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



15 



Meanwhile, let him ramble where he pleases, 

Or with some maid of honour play at chess. 

This patriot mania dwells upon my mind, 

And urges expedition on all sides. 

Follow me, therefore, in convenient time ; 

Our counsels must be secret and combined. 

{Exit Catherine.) 
Feed. Bucholz, what shall I give thee for thy thoughts r 
Bitch. Not much, indeed, sire. Your Majesty 

Hath patience for a Stoic, — thus to brook 

That admirable tyrant with such grace. 
Feed. Hold now, my grave philosopher, and learn 

To speak with more decorum of thy host. 
Buch. Host ! 

Feed. Yes, you're to dine at her imperial table 
This very day ; and, in the interim, 
With some fair maid of honour play at chess. 

Btjch. Really so ! 

Feed. Grave as a Capuchin. 

Btjch. Then off I go — 

Feed. To play away till six o'clock. 

Buch. Is that the festive hour, King ? 

Feed. It is ; be punctual. Yon vista leads thee 
To thy fair competitor. 

{Exeunt ; Bucholz, lowing through one of the 
vistas ; and Frederic at one side.) 



{The Scene changes.) 



16 THE. EALL OE POLAND. 



ACT T. Scene III. 
An apartment in a Polish cottage, having a door in its centre. 



Enter (bf central door) Dziallstski, who calls Kollontay in 
rather a loud whispering voice. 

Dzial. Kollontay ! Kollontay I — I say, come forth I 
Disturb not Radziwilla ; let her sleep. 

Enter Kollontay. 

Kol. "What now, my friend ? tho' mom hath yet scarce 
You find me ready to attend your call. [ris'n, 

Dzial. Kollontay, the enemy surround 
Us on all sides. 

Kol. Heav'ns I — is it possible ? 

Dzial. Hush ! you'll disturb our consorts ; — ere they rise, 

I wish to have this conference with thee. 
Kol. Say on. 

Dzial. To crown our troubles, ev'ry hope hath fled 
Of finding the Depots where for five months 
Our brother patriots conceal' d the arms. 

Kol. From what untoward cause can thi3 proceed ? 

Dzial. Those, who know where they are, while coming 
"Were intercepted by a Prussian force. [hither 

Kol. And taken pris'ners ? 

Dzial. Ev'n so ; at Wloclawek, it was, this fell 
Catastrophe occurr'd. 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



17 



Kol. This is a clincher ; it completely mars 

Our ev'ry prospect, and forebodes the worst. 
How long can we hold out ? 

Dzial. Perhaps not half a day. 

Kol. How unpropitious ! 

Dzial. Tho', strongly barricaded as we are, 

We might repulse th' enemy till midnight. 

Kol. If that be practicable, hear me then : — 

Let's give those Russian monsters no repose 
Throughout the live-long day. Hence, overcome 
By long fatigue, they'll early go to rest, 
Hoping to find us here by peep of day. 

Dzial. Well? 

Kol. We'll keep unoccupied a chosen few 

To pounce upon their sentinels at night, 
And cut them off ; thus leaving us the pow'r 
To fly securely, when no hostile tongue 
Of all their guards shall live t' announce our exit. 
Dzial. Ably suggested : if the onset fail, 

This glen shall be our refuge to the last ; 
But, if the plan succeed, ere morning's dawn 
We'll leave those Muscovites free space to roam. 
{A Russian trumpet is now heard from with- 
out, sounding in the direction of one side, 
and immediately after another trumpet sounds 
in the direction of the other side. They an- 
swer each other with alternate blasts for some 
time, as from a considerable distance off.) 

Enter Radziwilla and Chuysillida, in their morning 
wrappers. 

Chry. Dzialinski, what sounds are those we hear r 
Dzial. [feigning unconcern.) 

Th' Muscovites, it seems, have got up early ; 
c 2 



18 



THE FALL OE POLAND. 



Or they've been up since late last night; they're fond 
Of matin music, and withal invite 
Their Polish neighbours to the warlike concert. 
Eadz. (to Chrysillida.) 

Let us away, then, and equip ourselves 
To join this pastime by our husband's side. 
Chey. {rubbing her eyes.) 

"We've slept too long, dear sister, — else the foe 
Had been too civil to disturb our rest. 
Eadz. Come, therefore, without any more delay, 

And wipe thy slumb'ring eyelids in the field. 
Dzial, Tho' painful to announce, till midnight come, 

We feel oblig'd to leave you this retreat. 
Eadz. Till midnight ! 
Chey. Midnight ! what has led to this ? 
Dzial. 'Tis needless to conceal our present cares, 
So hear at once our motive, and be calm. 
Both the strong passes which command this glen 
Are in the foe's possession. 
Chey. Well ! what of that > 
Dzial. This is to be by far the hottest day 

Of all the battles we have yet sustain' d. 
Chey. (somewhat contemptuously.) 
Go on ! 

Dzial. We mean to give the enemy no rest 

For twenty hours. 
Chey. Proceed. 

Dzial. Exhausted and worn out, they'll gladly hail 

The period of repose. 
Chey. What more ? 

Dzial. We'll keep a chosen band, till night reserv'd, 
To cut off all their sentinels, and fly 
Prom this ill-omen'd valley unperceiv'd. 

Chey. 'Tis well devis'd ; and yet I cannot see 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



19 



"Why we should be your pris'ners all this day. 
Radz. Nor I, upon my honour ! 'tis absurd 

To keep us twenty hours in durance vile. 
Chey. Have we not shar'd your dangers from the first, 

Happy to be where'er our consorts prov'd, 

Tho' in the hottest of the battle's rage? 

Is this, then, a fit period t' consign us 

To nothing less than a dire pris'n ! shame ! 
Dzial. W e wish you to prepare for a long march 

By due cessation from incessant toil 
Chky. Name it no more ; our aggravated minds 

"Would kill us with suspense in half the time. 
Dzial. Take your own way, then, and acquit us freely 

Of any wish to fetter those we love. 
Eadz. Delightful fellows ! Sister, come, retire, 

And leave these morning wrappers far behind. 
Kol. "Well said, my gallant partner ! shall I go 

To help thy military habit on ? 
Dzial. And I, Chrysillida, to aid thee, too ? 
Chet. No, Polish chieftains, to your post repair ; 

Expect us in quick time, and keep the foe, 

As you have ever kept him, full in view ! 
Dzial. Heav'n guard you, best of women ! 

{Exeunt ; the two husbands hy the central 
door, the ladies at one side.) 



{The Scene changes) 



20 THE FALL OP POLAND. 



ACT I. Scene IY. 

Part of the City of Cracow, with the River Vistula running 
through it. [Note. — The River Vistula flows from. 
Cracow (S.S.JV.) down to Warsaw; these cities being 
130 miles distant from each other.'] Reiterated murmurs 
of applause are first faintly heard ; soon they grow louder 
and louder, till at length they become general. 



Enter Madalinski with a large body of troops ; these duly 
range themselves aloyig the river. Kosciusko sails up 
it in a boat, and enters in the centre by landing ; imme- 
diately after, 

Madal. Hail Kosciusko, hail ! Hail, Dictator 
And Generalissimo of Poland ! 

{These words are echoed from a multitude of 
voices along the river, and in various direc- 
tions. Kosciusko, on landing, shakes Mada- 
linski most cordially by the hand, and comes 
forward.) 

Kos. Soldiers and Fellow Countrymen, I come, 
Prepar'd to live or die with you ; resolv'd 
To join your Patriotic armaments 
In raising Poland to her proper sphere, 
Or else to forfeit life itself, and shed 
Its last, last drop upon my country's hearse. 
Yes, here I vow in presence of my God, — 
In presence of both heav'n and earth, — where'er 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



21 



A solemn or a sacred influence 

Can actuate an honest, human heart, — 

Never to sheathe my sword, till Freedom first 

Regain her empire in my native land. 

No other choice I make, — no other hope, — 

No other thought endure. Receive me, then, 

Not as your Tyrant to afflict you worse 

Than openly avow'd hostility, 

Nor as a Revolutionary Chief; 

But as the Guardian of my country's rights, 

To rescue Sov'reignty from foreign chains, — 

To drive invasion to its northern Den, — 

To knock off all your fetters, — set you free ! 

These once accomplish'd, your Dictator hence 

His office shall resign, supremely bless' d 

To see his Majesty again replac'd 

On the proud eminence where free-born sway 

Invests the Monarch with his people's love. 

This be my purpose, motto, end, and aim ; 

Be this my longest and my last intent ! 

{Sere the loud bursts of applause are every- 
where renewed, and repeated huzzas rend the 
air. After they have subsided, he more 
particularly recognises Madalinshi ) 
Brave Madalinski, I'm rejoic'd to see you ! 

Madal. Honour' d Dictator, hail ! you see, my friend, 
This traveling dust ; behold, I come from far ! 
We made our enemies support us well, — 
Have rambl'd many a mile on Prussian cheer, 
Nor stopp'd our journey since we left Pultusk. 

Kos. 'Twas a bold measure, somewhat premature, 
Save that the crisis left no room to pause. 
The die is cast ; and nothing now remains 
But to pursue the current where it glides. 



22 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



Madal. I lately had a mission to th' Empress. 
Kos. Indeed ! 

Madal. She took me for Oginski, and I bore 

My novel title well ; it serv'd to mask 

My purpose with peculiar tact. 
Kos. In a few days th' Imperial Dame returns 

To Petersburg, where may she long remain ! 

But what impell'd you to her Polish Court? 
Madal. The King so importun'd me, I felt bound 

To carry his petition to her feet. 
Kos. Petition ! — Poor fallen Stanislas ! 
Madal. His suit is granted, and a regal storm 

Is ready to assail him, right and left. 
Kos. Just as conjectur'd; crouching only tempts 

A persecuting Tyrant to grow worse. 

How better would it be for Poland's King 

To sit erect upon a hero's throne, 

And bid defiance to a world in arms ! 
Madal. That would indeed be better ! 
Kos. Tell me, have you any news from "Warsaw ? 
Madal. Its garrison, chief, ere one short week 

Are doom'd to be disbanded and disarm' d. 
Kos. Disarm'd ! 

Madal. On Easter Eve the Cossacks are to hold 

All the chief stations, and in Polish cloaks, 
To play us off with endless stratagems. 

Kos. Is this a well authenticated fact ? 

Madal. Kalinski is my author, who, it seems, 
Has just deriv'd this sad intelligence 
From one who's now at work on th' disguises. 
Thus Kussians, dress'd in Polish costume, are 
To lay th' basis of our country's ruin. 

Kos. Enough, enough ; I need not wish to hear 
Another word ; the case is manifest ; — ■ 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



23 



As long as Poland can the strength withhold 
Of Catherine's ire, so long the Tyrant's brain 
Will burn with inextinguishable malice. 

Madal. Nay, more ; the fiendish Igolstrum himself 
Hath ev'n presum'd to order the arrest 
Of twenty most distinguish' d Senators. 
Nor has he thought that outrage will suffice, 
But hath commanded the grand General 
To clear the citadels of all our troops. 

Kos. Nay, hath the Muscovite presum'd so far? 

Madal. [taking a letter out of his pocket, and presenting it to 
Kosciusko.) 
Here is a letter of that Minister, 
Which, intercepted, I present to thee. 
It shows the discomposure of his mind, 
And indicates unmeasur'd violence 
As likely to surround us on all sides. 

Kos. [taking the letter, and reading the superscription ; now 
opening the letter, he reads the interior.) 

" To the Secretary at War 
" at Petersburg. 

" The whole Polish army, which musters 
about 18,000 strong, is in complete rebellion, 
excepting 4000, who compose the garrison of 
Warsaw. Nor will it be either safe or expe- 
dient to leave even these on their present footing. 
Something most decisive must be done without 
delay. The insurrection strengthens every 
moment, its progress is very rapid, and its 
success terrifying. I am myself in expectation 
of seeing the Confederation of Lublin advance ; 
and I have no hope but in God and the good 
cause of my sovereign." 



24 



THE PALL OF POLAND. 



{Ceasing to read.) 

How strange this language seems from such a source \ 

Here is a monster- of iniquity, 

Trampling all Laws both human and divine ; 

And yet this very fiend, this minister 

Of ev'ry evil work, can dare to hope 

That God will fight his battles and uphold 

The cause of an imperial murderer. 

But to proceed — 
{Sere he resumes reading the letter.) 

" Lithuania will not fail, certainly, to follow 
the example." 

( Ceasing to read again.) 

That surely need not be 
A matter of surmise ; the glorious flame 
Of Patriotic ardour so pervades 
That whole Palatinate from North to South. 

But come, my friends ; no time is to be lost ; 
While gliding swiftly in our well-mann'd boats, 
Our counsels we may hold with best effect. 

( While they are retiring to the river, and pre- 
paring to embark f the Curtain drops.) 



END OP THE PIRST ACT. 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



25 



ACT II. Scene I. 
A wood ivith rocky defiles. 



When the Curtain rises, the young Prince Charles is seen 
as if in earnest conversation with some Polish Soldier* 
in the rear ground ; while, in front, the Princess 
Lubomirski {closely veiled), and Kosciusko appear in 
converse with each other. 

Princess. Bear me, I pray you, till you hear me out ! 

Kos. {aside.) 

Her accents grow familiar to my ear ; 

I think I heard them many years ago ; [Madam, 

'Tis time t' unmask the lady. {To her.) Truly, 

This embassy will doubtless be a blind one, 

Except I see an end to this eclipse ; 

Leave, then, that lunar shadow, — and appear ! 

Princess, {aside.) 

I greatly fear he recollects my voice. 

{To him.) Permit me to proceed awhile unknown ! 

Kos. No, madam, that I'll ne'er concede. 

Princess. Strong motives urge me to my present course. 

Kos. And sirong incentives urge me, too. 

Princess. Pirst let me speak ! 

Kos. Not a word more, by Lucifer ! first show me 

Who thou art. 
Princess. Is this thy firm resolve ? 

D 



26 THE PALL OP POLAND. 

Kos. Inflexible ! 

Peixcess. Then keep thy resolution, and behold ! 

{She now casts bade her veil, and looks at him 
ivith much expression.) 

Kos. {starting.) 

What do I see ? the Princess Lubomirski ! 
Oh ! let me shun her desolating presence ! 

{Exit Kosciusko hastily.) 

Pbincess. {sola.) 

He's gone. And how could it be otherwise ? 
The long-clos'd wound is open'd now afresh, 
And bleeds in all the ecstasy of grief. 
What shall I do ? I've underta'en too much. 
Grant me, ye Guardian Pow'rs, sufficient nerve 
To hold the awful current of my course. 



Re-enter Kosciusko, in front, in a state of reflection. 

Kos. {aside.) 

Yet why so senselessly precipitate ? 
Shall Kosciusko from a woman fly, 
Altho' that woman be the very spouse 
Of his successful rival ? !No, no, no ; — 
If she be a female luminary, — 
Her beams, with her virginity, have fled, 
Leaving behind them to transfix my breast 
Not ev'n the twilight of her former pow*r 

{Turning round and addressing her.) 
Madam, behold how soon the bird returns 
To the skill'd Archer's snare. Be not surpris'd 
If this our meeting under such extremes 
-Of unexpected pleasure, may perplex. 
Excuse me, Madam, — but I thought I knew 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



27 



Myself far better. Yet with all our pride 
Thy sex can awe us with superior grace. 

Princess. Hold, Sir ; — I hope in these few hasty words 
There's nothing like returning to the chase. 
Remember, I am not my own ; — another 
Calls me his ; and his I'll be for ever ! 

Kos. I understand you, Madam ; and, to prove 

My insight to your thoughts, you mean to say 
'T would be a miserable enterprise 
To beat about another's lair for prey ; 
To feed, in fact, on what is long enjoy'd 
E'en by a rival ; — that were poor indeed ! 
Too poor, I also ween, for him who now 
Addresses thee ; not that he boasts of aught 
To please a Princess, but that he disdains 
The smiles of fell dishonour ev'n from thee. 

Peotcess, This is sufficient to confirm my mind 
In ev'ry sentiment so long indulg'd : 
If genuine honour gilds a human heart, 
That heart in Kosciusko ever beats. 

Kos. Did he not love thee ? think thee ray'd in light ? 
And challenge all Creation to surpass thee ? 
"Where'er he wander' d, did he hope t' explore 
So pure an image, or with truth more grac'd ? 
With loveliness, with dignity, with worth, 
With ev'ry blandishment that really lives 
Or fancy could create ? Nay, here not pleas' d 
To ruminate o'er earthly excellence, 
Thought he this globe not half refin'd for thee r 
Look'd he still higher ? to a higher Zone 
Still wing'd his flight, to see if aught, so fair 
As thou, were giv'n to other Spheres ? But ah ! 
'Twas all a dream, — an idle, transient dream ; 
So he awoke, Madam, and found thee fled. 



28 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



A monument of female fickleness, — 
Unamiable, undignified, untrue, 
"Well form'd to play on man's credulity, 
And with a versatility unmatch'd 
Develope how the wind can change its course. 
With such strong facts remember' d to this hour, 
By what infatuation hast thou sought 
This poignant interview ? what led thee on ? 
"Was there no other female on the earth 
To undertake this mission save thyself? 
Peincess. O Kosciusko, is it thus you treat 
A visitor like me ? is it for this 
I left my Lithuanian Domicile ? 
' For thee and for my Country to assuage, 
If possible, the proud Tzarina's ire ? 
Into some milder current to direct 
The petulance of conquest ? or to plead 
At least sincerely for my native land ? 
Just as the new-rear'd constitution smil'd 
And threw her hallow'd mantle o'er the realm, 
Who could behold the fairy vision pass 
Evaporating at the era of its birth ? 
Was it for me, or aught with conscious soul, 
To witness such calamity unmotfd, 
Shunning the cares of Patriotic toil, 
In the vile sloth of Slavery unnerv'd ? 
!No, Kosciusko, I would erst invite 
Dangers in ev'ry quarter of the Globe, — 
Whether o'er ocean, or the desert's track, — 
O'er the parched horrors of a torrid Zone, — 
Or where the chilling frost's incessant empire 
Mid bars of ice confines the frozen earth. 
Ko terror should impede me, — floods nor storms, 
Nor all the restless Elements of ire 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 

That ever thunder' d o'er the race of man. 
One vast impediment alone appears 
That could divert me from my firm resolve ; 
And need I tell thee what that barrier is, 
So long as Death his mortal Sceptre holds ? 

Kos. If Patriotic ardour in my breast 

Were like a lamp going out, thenwouldst thou ser 

To blow it in again : — one vital gale 

Prom such a charmer, would rekindle all ; — 

All, (do you mind me ?) but the latent spark 

Of former love and evanescent dreams. 

These, nor the rudest blast that ever howl'd, 

Nor hurricanes, nor tempests, nor the trump 

Of universal chaos come again, 

Could wake to aught but ghastly influence, 

Or pale Existence ready to expire. 

Like a damp vapour, it would serve to chill 

The very ray that brought it into being. 

Princess. Mistake not, Kosciusko, (tho' there still 

Is music in that War-fam'd honour'd name !) 

Mistake me not, proud warrior, I nor come 

To kindle what would now be criminal, 

Nor under any circumstances, fan 

A flame, as you admit, almost extinct. 

No ; for far other purposes I come, — 

To serve my Country, and her name restore 

Amid the free-horn Kingdoms of the "World ! 

Kos. {aside.) 

Hah ! I am hit again ; — her Patriot fire 
Is e'en more irresistible than love ; — 
I must forgive her, tho' my breast still bleeds 
"With the sad wounds inflicted by her hand. 

{To her.) Most gen'rous heroine ! mine were hasty word 
You've nearly vanquish' d me a second time : 
d 2 



30 



THE FALL OF POLAKT?. 



You teach, me to obliterate all sense 

Of former injuries, — and only think 

Of that ennobled passion which sustains 

The love of Country burning in our breasts 

Like a pure Yestal flame that shuns all gross 

Corporeal aliment ; — that lives, aye lives 

On mind, on thought, on essence, and on soul, — 

Congenial Spirit of undying fame 

That seeks to flourish in immortal bloom I 

Princess. Oh ! 'tis a theme whereon, I knew full well, 
We always fed congenial sentiments : 
And, trusting to that nobleness innate 
That ever actuates the truly brave, 
I thought you could forgive, and e'en unite 
The humble Counsels of a penitent 
With thy superior knowledge of mankind. 
Thus, led to throw myself on your chaste ire, 
That mingles with compassion ev'ry frown, 
I come, on perilous adventure bent, 
Eesolv'd t' endure defeat in ev'ry form, 
If not to triumph in the cause of Freedom ! 

~Kos. Go, then, dear Princess, — while there yet is hope, 
Strain ev'ry nerve in the great cause. "Who knows 
What female Eloquence may yet effect ? 
If thou deliv'rest from an early tomb 
The new-fram'd Constitution of this realm, — 
The work of three bright legislative years 
That would have rescued Poland from the Gulf 
Of fell oppression, anarchy, and ruin, — 
That would have plac'd her where she ought to be, 
On the bright pinnacle of liberty, — 
An ornament to nations, bless' d on earth, 
While water'd with the dews from heav'n above : 
If thou canst put a key- stone to this arch 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



31 



Of national resuscitation, or, 

(0 glorious undertaking !) nobly rear 

The prostrate column of our Country's hopes : — 

Then wilt thou live in joy's supreme career 

The proud preserver of thy native land. 

Go, Princess, go ; — do this, — and live for ever ! 

{Exeunt; Kosciusko at one side, in front; 
ivhile the Princess Lubomirshi, retiring and 
taking the young Prince Charles ly the hand, 
makes her exit {with him) far lack in the 
rear ground.) 



{The Scene changes.) 



32 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



ACT II. Scene II. 

A wood, xoith King Frederic's Prussian Tent at one side. 



Enter {in front) Igolstrtjm, disguised in a Polish cloak. 

Igols. (solus.) 

What ! Madalinski so receiv'd by Fred'ric ! 
He who first rais'd the standard of revolt, — 
To be so honour' d by the Prussian King ! — 
How truly unaccountable ! — 'Tis well 
T'arrive thus unobserv'd, — the better far 
To probe, unseen, in this disguis'd attire, 
"What otherwise I could not hope to learn. 
Thither they come. !N"ear yonder tent, it seems, 
Some useful information might be gain'd ; 
Let me retire, then, and with caution mark 
The real character of friend and foe. 

(Igolstrum, in the rear, goes near the Tent 
to listen.) 

Enter {in front) Frederic and Madalinski. 

Madal. "What has your Majesty t' fear from Russia ? 
Fred. Oh ! nothing, positively nothing ! — 
Madal. And with auxiliaries so far renown' d 

As Prussia might confer, if thus allied, — 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



33 



What hath our Stanislas to apprehend, 
Back'd by his own brave People ! they who never 
Quitted his royal standard ; — and who still 
But follow the Dictator, to secure 
His Sceptre and the Dominion of the laws ? 
Feed. I must admit, — in such a strange position 
As between opposite extremes he held, — 
No nation could have prov'd more truly loyal, 
Or more devoted to an injur' d King. 
Madal. Is it not strange, then, he could ever crouch 
To Cath'rine's unrelenting violence ? 
Casting the new and admirable code 
Of Polish legislation to the winds ? 
"What ! are the laws of Ninety-one to be 
For ever trampl'd underneath her foot, — 
The very foot that trampled on his Crown, 
And spurn' d the obligation of an Oath 
With sacrilegious transport, rage, and war ? — 
Is the Tzarina thus to rule us all, 
And banish liberty from ev'ry clime ? 
Feed. Come, Madalinski, Patriotic Zeal 

May carry thee too far ; — let us reserve 
This subject for a more convenient time. 
Poor Stanislas ! his feelings are acute ; — 
He's a most kind and well-intention' d Sov'reign, 
And hospitality from me demands 
A studious delicacy at this crisis. 
E'en on my own dull sensibility 
Thou hast not fail'd^to operate ; nor till 
The present could I think myself so soft. 
Nevertheless, my tears are soon exhal'd 
Like dews before the sun of reason's pow'r. 
Madal. 'Twere well, indeed, if her effulgence shone 
More than it does upon the race of man ; — 



34 



THE FALL OF POLA55D. 



'Twould banish half th.' injustice of the world, 
And soften the remainder into mercy. 
Feed. Pond' ring so many most important points, 
!No trifling difficulty reigns around. 
On one hand Polish Freedom claims her share ; 
On th' other the security of States. 
Here the new Polish Constitution pleads ; — 
There the due Poise of Kingdoms cries — beware ! 
Here the increase of Eevolutions frown ; — 
There the stability of Governments, 
And all their firmly constituted forms. 

My feelings, I admit, are in your favour, 
So beauteous is the garb of liberty ! — 
Yet, for that great concession, you will find 
My better reason on the other side. 
How sorrowful it is, — in this review 
My head and heart can never go together ! 
I'm like a lover warring night and day 
Against the moral empire of his mind. 
Yet, as th' attachment cannot be dissolv'd, 
I must contemplate future offices 
Of kindness to the object of my love. 
Tell Kosciusko, therefore, how I'm held, 
As if in social, matrimonial bonds, 
To his dear Country ; — while all other ties 
Are seeking a Divorce against my will. 

{Exeunt Frederic and Madalinshi in opposite 

directions. Igolstrum comes forward un- 

perceived by them.) 

Igols. {solus.) 

I know not what to think of these events ; — 
King Pred'ric, certainly, seems insincere. 
Let pregnant time, however, solve the rest. 
Now to remove this Yesture of disguise, 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



35 



And seek an audience of th' Prussian Monarch. 
As for this Madalinski, he shall soon 
Become my Pris'ner, as of late devis'd. 
The Empress is resolv'd to recognise 
No embassy that comes from such a source. 
Hence, at his exit from this Boyal Camp, 
A troop of Cossacks, station'd near at hand, 
Shall give him salutation well impressed, — 
Tho' difF'ring far from his reception here. 

{Exit Igoldrum.) 



{The Scene changes.) 



36 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



ACT II. Scene III. 

A wood in a glen, having the River Vistula running through 
it. Considerably elevated is a rocky passage winding 
out of sight, and having a very rude parapet about three 
feet in height. So much of this parapet is visible as 
would occupy the circumference of a large tower's base ; 
and the parapet itself rests on a lofty ledge of rocks which 
hang over the river. For brevity, this entire projecting 
ledge is called the Promontory. 

This Scene commences with a vast noise proceeding from a 
Cavern behind the promontory, where at length a huge 
rock is driven forward by Russian miners who are working 
within the Cave. Thus a fissure is made therein, 
through which some of the miners become visible. 



Enter Sitwakrow, with some difficulty, through the fissure 
thus made, followed by two or three Russian miners. 
Standing foremost on the promontory, he takes a very 
exploring view in every direction. 

Suwar. Bravely done, iny fine fellows ! — this secures 
Our wary prey. Go to the new-found Cave, 
And thence despatch a trusty messenger 
To both the Passes, — to renew the siege 
In both positions with united force. 

Away ! 

{Exeunt miners {above) into the cavern.} 



THE FALL OP POLAND. 



37 



Thus to withdraw the foe's attention, 
Will leave us here an unmolested course 
Till we invade them where they least suspect. 

{Looking to one side.) 
But who are these that hither bend their way ? — 
There's something most peculiar in their dress ; 
What, if they prove th' heroines of this vale ? — 
Let me be seated on this lofty rock 
To hear them eulogize me, as they 're wont. 

(Me sits down, having his head merely visible, 

to the audience, over the para/pet.) 

Enter (below), in converse, Badziwilla and Chkysillida. 

Radzi. The happy period of deliverance 
Is not so readily foreseen in war. 

Chey. I'm growing weary of this painful pris'n. 

Merciful heav'ns ! — how long are we to be 
The sport of that Suwarrow's fell desires ? 

Radzi. I wonder if a woman gave him birth ? 

Chey. Judging from his malign propensities 

And blood- stain' d track, — we never should suppose 

That human nature led him into life. 

From Tartarus alone the canine fiend 

Could date his origin, — whelp'd in the midst 

Of Furies, and sent up to mortal light 

To darken all our prospects, and diffuse 

A gloomy pestilence where'er he moves. 

Suwae. {unheard by them.) 

Thank you, kind ladies ! — You have doubtless gain'd 

My gratitude. Be well assur'd I only 

Wait the earliest opportunity 

To give you salutation in due form. 

E 



38 



THE FALL OF POLAKD. 



Kadzi. Come, dearest sister, let us now ascend 
The rocky way that overhangs th' river, 
Thence to behold this valley's eastern pass, 
And learn what ever-restless time presents 
While starry Hesperus prepares to smile. 
Chbt. O may he smile from his celestial sphere 

"With happy omens ! — and ere morn unfold 
The path to liberation from this glen ! 
Come, Eadziwilla. 

{Exeunt Chrysillida and Hadziwilla. ) 
Stjwak. {standing up on the Promontory.) 

Now, by th' Gemini ! — the doves are coming 
Into my very lap. What shall I do }■ — 
I think myself an overmatch for both. 
'T would be unmanly, therefore, to require 
In this position an auxiliar force. 
The fame, besides, of taking such a pair 
With my own proud and unaided prowess, 
Will make my tow'ring plume as much admir'd 
By Yenus and Lucina, as by Mars. 
{Looking towards one side.) 

Egad, I see a most convenient nook 
Whence, couching like a lion, I might spring 
Upon my long-lov'd prey with best effect. 

{JSxit above. Trumpets now sound first at 
one side and afterwards at the other side, 
■ as if from a considerable distance off. A 
tremendous cannonade soon follows, which is 
similarly heard, as from a scene of action 
somewhat remote, in each of opposite direc- 
tions. After some time elapses, the distant 
cannonade dies away. Several loud shrieks 
are now heard; and a clashing of swords 
ensues.) 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



39 



Re-enter Radztwilla and Chrysillida, on the Promontory, 
sword in hand. 

Chry. What a tremendous onset ! 
Radz. Had he not fallen down that steep, I fear 
JSTo earthly arm could save us from his ire. 
Chry. He is not vanquish'd yet; — hence let us hurl 
Our cloaks away, — they so encumber us. 
Watch, Sister, dear, while I throw mine over. 

( Chrysillida takes off her cloak, and throws it 
over the Promontory.') 
~Now, Radziwilla, I shall watch for tJw- 

{Radziwilla does the same with her cloak. 
Both their cloaks fall helow on the land by 
the river's side.) 
Radz. If he rally, and we become disarm' d, 

What shall we do ? 
Chry. Do ? 
Radz. Yes. 

Chry. Why, — let me think. I have it. 

Radz. Reveal it quick as thought itself. 

Chry. Let us retreat along this winding way. 

Radz. It is so narrow and terrific. 

Chry. So much the better; — that's our only chance; — 
If he attempt it, — the huge Buffalo 
Will fall into the water and be drown'd. 

Radz. He comes again ; — lo, there he is ! 

Chry. How much he limps ! his tumble was severe. 

Radz. I think we'll both be able for him now. 

Re-enter, on the Promontory, Stjwarrow, sword in hand. 

Sttwar. Ladies, 'tis best to yield at once. 
Chry. Never ! 



40 THE PALL OP POLAJNTD. 

Eadz. No, never ! 

Suwae. Then with reluctance to renew my suit 

In this persuasive manner, — mark how soon 
I'll shiver both your swords to atoms. 

(He engages them loth, and first succeeds in 
hurling RadziwilWs sword out of her hand 
over the Promontory : it falls below on the 
land at the river's side. Suwarrow desists, 
and again tries to parley.) 
Suwae. 'Tis madness to persist ; — so now confess 

Yourselves my pris'ners, or beware. 
Chey. Go, Eadziwilla, round, as we resolv'd. 
Eadz. I'll never quit thee, Sister, till I die. 
Chey. Then stand behind me. {to Suwarrow) Monster, 
why delay ? 

Stjwae. Poh ! — 'tis a vain attempt ; — put up thy blade. 

( Chrysillida makes a sudden dash at him, and 
an obstinate encounter takes place. At 
length he proves equally successful, whirling 
the sword out of her hand, also, which 
follows that of Padziwilla. She now (as it 
were) fixes her eyes on some object behind 
Suwarrow.) 

Chey. 'Tis gone; — Ha! but who are these a-coming? 

(Suwarrow turns round, and looks earnestly 
for some seconds in the same direction. 
Meanwhile, both the sisters seize this oppor- 
tunity, and rush round the Promontory, 
and so Exeunt, above. ) 
Stjwae. I can see nothing. 

(At length turning about and perceiving them 
gone.) 

'Tis a stratagem. 
By giugo, that is clever ; — ready wit 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



41 



Hath giv'n these Amazonians time to fly. 
I'll try to follow them. 

{He goes partly round the Promontory, yet 
still in view.) 

Heav'ns ! what a depth ! 
Like flags of truce, they wave their handkerchiefs. 

horrible ! they're going ; — down they fall 
Into the angry flood. Now borne along 

Its rapid waters, — strange to tell, they float ; — 
They're still upon the surface of th' current. 
Ah ! there they go ; its rapid windings whirl 
Those victims out of sight. I fear they're lost. 
Poor creatures, fare ye well ! I'm greatly griev'd ; 
My conscience almost smites me for this dire 
And madly unforeseen calamity. 

{He returns before the fissure, while speaking 
the last three lines. Exit Suw arrow, above, 
into the Cave behind the Promontory.) 

Enter Dzialinsez, below. During the former part of the 
following Soliloquy, he moves across the Stage. 

Dzial. {solus). 

The dreadful cannonade, which this day roar'd, 
Hath terribly disjointed all our planks. 

1 greatly fear the siege is near an end, 
And a dire massacre to end us all. 

{Looking downward, he perceives the cloaks and 
swords of Radziwilla and Chrysillida.) 
But what are these ? 

{He takes up the cloaks, one in each hand.) 

I'm lost in dire conjectures. 
Their swords, too, lie before me ! let me see. 

{The cloaks fall from his hands, and he takes 
up the swords, closely examining them.) 
e 2 



42 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



Oli ! it is £00, £00 trne ! mysterious fact ! 
What ! are they murder' d } — drown' d or, far 
Have they been led into captivity ?- — [worse !— 
Great God ! where can I find a key t' open 
The dark and dismal portals of their fate ?— 
But lo ! here comes, — lacerating thought ! 
Perhaps — my fellow widower — in woe. 



Enter Kollontay, followed by a company of Polish Soldiers, 
who range themselves along the side whereat they enter. 

Kollontay, behold this well-known falchion ! 

{He shows him Chrysillida* s sword.) 
Kol. Good Heav'ns ! — Dzialinski, what is it ? — 
Dzial. Look at it. 

Kol. As I do live, — it is Chrysillida's I — 

Dzial. Aye, — there it is, — but where — where is she ? — 

Kol. My boding soul's already on the rack I 

Dzial. Look, also, at this scimitar. 

[He now shows him the other sword.) 
Kol. Hah ! 'tis Eadziwilla's ! Now, now, my friend, 

The blackest sable seems our doom. 
Dzial. {dropping loth the swords). 

ye pow'rs ! why have we liv'd so long ? 

To reach this awful chasm of dark despair ! 
Kol. Yet, let me think : — perchance they still survive. 
Dzial. happy thought ! — £00 happy — to be true ! 
Kol. I am so vastly stunn'd, — I'm quite unnerv'd, — 

Completely paralys'd from head to foot. 
Dzial. I wish I could believe them still alive ! 
Kol. Come, let us seek them wheth'r in life or death. 
Dzial. Where, Kollontay ? [wood ; 

Kol. Take half these men, and with them search yon 



THE FALL OP POLAND. 



43 



Let th' rest follow me in this direction. 
Go, Dzialinski, — rouse thyself, — be firm. 

{Exit Kollontay, followed by several file of 
Polish Soldiers.) 
Dzial. Come, valiant countrymen, — I'll try to lead you, 
Altho' despondency hath quite unmann'd me. 
Yes, yes ; — where are they, — noblest of their sex ? 
Is there no friendly spirit near at hand 
To whisper it upon the rueful breeze ? 

my Chrysillida ! — where shall I find thee ? 
My heart ! — my mind ! — my very brain 's on fire ! ! 

{Exit Dzialinski, similarly accompanied with 
Soldiers as Kollontay, hut in opposite direc- 
tions.) 

{Enter a boat rowed by six men, conveying two 
ladies in a reclining posture. It is rowed 
slowly and completely across, and Exits.) 

{Trumpets sound again, as if remote ; followed 
by a somewhat distant cannonade, which 
after the lapse of some time dies away.) 

Re-enter Suwaeeow, above, through the fissure from the 
cavern. He stands on the Promontory, as before. 

Sttwak. {solus.) 

All now seems ripe for harvest ; we'll begin 
To mow th' fields of battle in right earnest. 

1 wonder what reception these mad Poles 
"Will give the Prussians that, in thirteen barks, 
Have actually sail'd into this glen. 

I hope they rescued the fair divers, who 
So resolutely fought me hand in hand. 
" Tho' in the midst of Furies I was whelp 1 d," 
I feel an int'rest in their preservation. 



44 



THE FALL OP POLAND. 



(Speaking to the miners within the fissure.) 

Widen this breach, ye miners ; — else in vain 
Will all your labours be : — 'twill scarce admit 
A single man to pass, — much, less an army. 
Tug, tug away, then, as if all your lives 
Depended on the issue ; haste, be brisk ; — 
It must be finish' d ere the midnight hour. 

(Sere the Curtain immediately drops.) 



END OP THE SECOND ACT. 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



45 



ACT III. Scene I. 

A wood not far from Warsaw, with the River Vistula running 
through it, and having a Bridge over it. 



Kosciusko is discovered at the head of his Army accompanied 
by Artillery. 

Kos. Soldiers, it well becomes you thus to keep 
The enemy before you. They prefer 
To be your pioneers, and clear your way. 
They're e'en more vigilant in that respect, 
Than our own people ; — with such active strides 
They strut before you on the wings of flight. 
But here comes Dzialinski ; — how well-timed ! 

Miter DziALiisrsKi. 

"Welcome, illustrious chieftain ! — briefly tell me, 
Are the bands of Sieradz yet equipp'd ? 

Dztal. They are, most honour'd and rever'd Dictator. 
Now fully arm'd with Prussian musketry 
And ammunition from the captur'd barks, — ■ 
They're ready for the field, and nobly pant 
To dash like thunder at th' astonish'd foe. 

Kos. Noble fellows ! — with such auxiliaries 

The very crest of war might well be proud. 

Dzial. They 've gain'd some slight advantages already, 
And look with ardour to the coming storm. 



46 THE FALL OF POLAND. 

Kos. But tell me, Dzialiuski, how thy spouse 

And Padziwilla bear their late afflictions ? — 
Prom all I've heard, they had not long to live, 
When brave Dombrouski to their rescue came. 

Dzial. If his arrival met the least delay, 

They loth had been irrevocably lost. 

Kos. The Russians' favourable error, too, 

Is still a subject of profound surprise, — 
Permitting all your armaments to fly 
"Without the least obstruction on their part. 

Dzial. Seeing the barges were of Prussian form, 
They unmolested suffer' d them to pass, 
Inconscious of their capture, or how manned. 
At Wlocklawek, it was, they had been seiz'd, 
By an heroic Lithuanian force ; — 
This to Suwarrow haply was unknown, 
Who took them for the ships of his allies. 

Kos. You left him, therefore, a deserted glen. 

Dzial. Whoever saw the monster enter it, 

And bellow thro' the void his loud disdain, 
With vast amusement must have heard the fiend 
Venting his anger on Vacuity. 

Kos. We cannot be too thankful for the past, 
Inspiring, as it does, such future hopes. 

Dzial. My Lord Dictator, I regret to cast 

A single shade around our bright' ning prospects ; — 
But there are worse, far worse than open foes. 

Kos. How ? 

Dzial. Th' foes, of whom I speak, are odious brawlers. 
They 've so inflam'd the foolish populace, 
That all our prisons have been madly forc'd, 
And, horrid to relate, a multitude 
Of unoffending captives put to death. 

Kos. What ! butcher' d in cold blood ? 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



47 



Dzial. A Massacre more barbarous or base 

Ne'er curs'd the annals of the wildest climes. 

Kos. fell perdition ! that, indeed, 's a source 
Of foul hostility more truly dire, 
Than all the enemies we ever met 
In war's extreme tempestuous career ! 
What will our neighbour states declare ? what will 
Surrounding nations ? what all Europe say ? — 

Dzial. 'Twere better far to lose a hundred fights, — 
Or twenty battles in a single day, 
Than have so foul a stigma thus impress' d 
On Freedom's Glorious Cause ! 

Kos. Oh ! 'tis too much to think of! it will drive 
Me mad. 'Twill be a wonder, if one friend 
Be left e'en among ourselves. But tell me, 
While this was doing, were ye all asleep ? — 

Dzial. It came so like an unforewarn'd deluge, — 
Dark desolation roll'd around us all, 
Before we knew the evil of the times. 

Kos. Have they been executed ? 

Dzial. No. 

Kos. No !- 

Dzial. Not yet ; — the Council wait thy Signature 

To put the Law in force. 
Kos. Give me the warrant ! — aye, and if they had 

A myriad lives to lose, — inglorious death 

Shall visit them before the setting sun. 
Dzial. Ere it be sign'd, I've promis'd to apply 

E'en in behalf of one of thine own friends. 
Kos. What ! I a friend among that odious band ! 
Dzial. With deep contrition he implores thy mercy. 
Kos. I do not wish to know his very name, — 

At least till I do something for my friend ! 

Yes ; hear me, — he shall have the privilege 



48 



THE PALL OF POLAND. 



Of being th' first to die ; — mark me, I say, 
The very first to expiate his crimes 
On the avenging scaffold of his country. 
Give me the warrant. 

{He takes the Warrant from Dzialinski.) 
{aloud. ) Send a Drummer here 

With pen and ink. I'll sign it like a Soldier 
On the drum head itself ; — and then, my friend, 
My real friend, let not the very winds 
Be swifter than thy course, to give despatch 
To this same act of justice to mankind. 

{Enter two drummers, one carrying a drum 
in Ms hand, and the other a pen and ink. 
Kosciusko begins to read the death-warrant 
with great rapidity, starts at one part of it 
in particular, and after reading, signs it on 
the drum-head. Meanwhile, in front, in 
reflection with himself,) 

Dzial. Tho' to fulfil my promise I resolv'd, — 

I knew the just Dictator would not spare 
The nearest relative he had on earth. 
The crime, too, is so villainous, I felt 
The shame of self-reproach to advocate, 
E'en in th' slightest and most feeble manner, 
The liberation of a fiend so base. 

{Here Kosciusko comes forward, and in very 
expressive silence returns the death-warrant 
to Dzialinski, adding a signal with his hand 
for the instant departure of the latter.) 

{Exit Dzialinski, at the same side whereat 
he entered. Here Kosciusko looks upward, 
clasps his hands with evident symptoms of 
internal affliction, and moves slowly to the 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



49 



side opposite to that whereat Dzialinshi just 
made his exit. In that point,} 

Enter Kollontay, accidentally meeting him there. 

Kos. Hah ! Kollontay, — hast thou heard th' horrid news ? 

Kol. ' 'Tis truly dire. 

Kos. 'Tis infamous. 

Kol. It baffles all my calculations. 

Kos. 'Tis damnable. 

Kol. Very unworthy conduct for an Empress. 
Kos. An Empress! 

Kol. Yes, she, it was, who order'd him in chains. 

Kos. Him ! — in chains ! — why, what is here ? 

Kol. I thought you knew th' entire transaction ; — hear. 
As Xadalinski was returning home 
From Fred' ric's royal camp, — he was entrapp'd 
And made a pris'ner by a Russian band. 

Kos. Oh, then, 'tis manifest we loth have news, 
Of very difT'rent import in the main. 
Thou speak' st of one catastrophe, and, lo, 
I of anoth'r. "What ! my ambassador 
Imprison'd ! cast in chains ! This be my first, 
Immediate object. Know'st thou where he is ? 

Kol. Yes, in the castle where the Empress now 
Enjoys her pastime during her sojourn. 

Kos. 'Tis a fit prison for my honour' d friend. 

But come, we'll visit this imperial gaoler. 
And countermand th' warrant of detention. 

{aloud.) Let th' whole army now be put in motion; 
ISTor leave one single cannon in reserve. 
Take all your batt'ring train ; and follow me. 

F 



» THE PALL OF POLAND. 

{To Kollontay.) 

As we proceed, my friend, I've other ills 
To tell thee of, will reach thine inmost pore. 

{Exeunt {in a direction opposite to that 
which Dzialinski took) both Kosciusko and 
Kollontay, followed by the Polish army and 
artillery, 8fc.) 



( The Scene changes, while they are filing off.) 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



51 



ACT III. Scene II. 

An apartment, in a Polish Castle, having in its rear a 
central door^ 



Enter the Empeess Catherine, the Peincess Lubomieskt, 
and Suwaeeow. 

Suwae. Your Majesty already knows my thoughts. 

Cath. What! have my late commands produc'd no 
{To him aside.) [changer 
In presence of the Princess, mark me well ! — 
I wish thee to assume a milder tone. 

Suwae. {aside, to Catherine.) 

And play the hypocrite? — that's not my way. 

Cath. {aside, to herself.) 

The brute's inflexible. 

Suwae. Besides, I hate the Lubomirski race, 
{Aside, to Catherine.) 

And have good reason for my present humour. 
{Aside, to himself.) 

!N"or do I yet forget that odious glen, 
Where I was so insulted and cajol'd ; — 
An empty valley was a fine reward 
For such a tiresome and laborious siege. 

Peincess. Perhaps the Empress hath some private hints 

To give her Gen'ral, — which my presence mars. 

{The Princess is about to retire.) 

Cath. Not in the least, dear Princess, do not go. 



52 



THE FALL OP POLAND. 



Suwarrow lo ! the Princess Lubomirski, 

Deputed by her Consort, hath essay'd 

T' avert my anger from his erring race. 

What are thy counsels, then ? — the more desir'd, 

As thou hast led our battles to this hour, 

And know'st th' temper that prevails in Poland. 

Sttwar. Experience teaches that the restless Poles 
Are never tractable, — except in war. 

Princess. Yes, I admit the fact; — nor ever will, 

"While fell injustice goads them on t' battle. 

Cath. Injustice, Princess ? — where would' st thou direct 
That solemn imputation ? 

Princess. On three confederated royal pow'rs 
"Who erst in turn to victory aspir'd 
Partly by means of Polish valour won. 
And what was our reward ? by those we serv'd, 
And in the scale of nations higher rais'd, 
T" have been neglected merely had been light 
Compar'd with the result : — our recompense 
Was not neglect, but anxious looking after 
Till you Dismember } d our unhappy realm. 

Cath. The cause of that Dismemberment, thou know'st, 
Embraced a train of most efficient reasons. 
Partly from ancient title, — and in part 
To put the cause of Ee volution down, — 
Necessity, with ancient rights, combin'd 
To circumscribe thy nation in due bounds. 

Princess. Wisdom, no doubt, seeks to be justified 

By all her children ; — hence her name abus'd 
Is sometimes giv'n to rapine, robbery, 
Iniquity, oppression ; — all in turn 
Can claim expediency in their behalf. 

Cath. I wish to treat thee as thy rank suggests, 
So measure thine expressions with reserve. 



THE FALL OP POLAND. 



53 



Princess. Measure thy policy with justice first. 

Cath. What is the object thou hast now in view ? — 

Princess. T' induce thee to relinquish that dire sway 
"Which only makes thee like a tyrant seem, 
Doing thee little service, while o'er us 
It shakes the iron sceptre of despair ! 

Cath. If time permitted, truth perhaps could say 
Enough to justify the course I took. 

Princess. Excuse me, madam, but I blame thee much 
Eor not doing justice to thy very self. 

Cath. I do not understand you. 

Princess. Suppose you made us love thee, whereas now — 

Cath. You hate me, / suppose. 

Princess. 'Tis well conjectur'd, whatsoever source 
It springs from. 

Cath. You compliment me, madam ; — rest assur'd 
I'm not offended at the candid truth. 
Besides, too, I'm no advocate for love, 
Where my admirers would be masters also. 

Princess. Masters ! Of what ? — Of their own native land ? 
Could this offend an honest neighb'ring state ? 

Cath. Yes, — as a foolish neighbour's house on fire 

Would threat'n destruction to my own repose. 
My earliest care would be to quench the flame, 
And save both mansions from untimely ruin. 

Princess. So far as simple preservation goes, 

The truth 's admitted ; but, the flame extinct, 
Could it be thought an ornament to close 
Our windows up in future, and exclude 
The blessings of that light to all vouchsaf 'd ? 

Cath. That is not your condition ; Poland breathes 
As much the air of freedom as ourselves. 

Princess. But all are slaves ; Whereas by nature's laws 
Fair liberty 's the birthright of mankind. 
f 2 



54 



THE FALL OE POLAND, 



Cath. {aside.) 

I do not like this subject ; 'tis to me 
At all times most unwelcome, most unwise. 
Let me, then, change it by a happy ruse ! 
(To Suwarrow.) 

Suwarrow, speak ; can we in future hope 
To be less hated by these restless Poles ? — 

Suwar. Never, mighty Empress, till they die, — 
Or thou becom'st as foolish as themselves. 

Princess, (to Suwarrow.) 

Unlike a Statesman, thou can'st ne'er aspire 
To free-horn empire ; warfare yields the food 
"With which alone thine appetite seems pleas' d. 

Sttwar. (aside.) 

Now for an ample field of just revenge ! 
(To the Princess.) 

I thank thee, madam ; — nothing is more true ; 
I love luxuriant fields manur'd by death. 
Did not the race of Islam do their worst 
To give my carcase to their birds of prey ? — 
Why, then, should I be squeamish, over-nice 
To kill by measure, lenity, or rule ? — 
No ; — let me stride o'er ev'ry foolish thought, 
And hail th' scent of carnage like a nosegay ! 
Doth golden Ceres cheer the neighing horse 
"With vital corn ? so is a crop of blood 
A prospect worthy of a warrior bold. 

Princess, (aside.) 

The fell barbarian ! — Nero seems to rise, 
Again to desolate the human race; — 
Or if we see a difference in them, lo ! 
The present demon is a Russian fiend, 
Whereas the other was a Roman scourge. 

Cath. (aside.) 

Much as I feel chagrin'd, I'll give him scope 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



55 



To treat this Princess as she best deserves ; — 
She's certainly appalVd, and well hath earrtd it, 
Her late assurance rose to such a height. 

Princess, {aside.) 

Th' Empress shows some symptoms of displeasure, 
I'll tempt him, therefore, to perplex her more. 

{To him.) Is there no mercy in thy warlike code 

For mourning brides, — or orphans bath'd in tears P 

Suwar. {aside.) 

that curs'd glen ! — it still excites my rage. 
Cath. {aside.) 

That question seems to discompose him much ; — 

1 wonder will he answer it ? 
Suwar. {aside.) 

Her hateful interrogatory brings 
That empty valley into view again. 
Yet, she'll never muzzle me ; I'd die first. 
{To the Princess.) 

As to their orphans, — we might send them home. 
Not so the bridal captives ; — these might prove 
Attractive, and far other thoughts inspire. 
Nay, — if an en' my hath a blooming bride, — 
Oh ! how delicious 'tis to kill him soon, 
And kiss his widow o'er his very bier ! 
Take me, then, Madam, as thy fancy wills : — 
{To Catherine.) 

And thou, great Empress ! view me, at a call, 
Eeady to do thy bidding, and transfix 
Man, woman, child, — and in one tomb immerse, 
To give thine enemies a long repose. 

Cath. (aside.) 

Confusion seize the monster ! — he'd undo [sels. 
Th' best-plann'd, wisest, and most prudent coun- 

{To him.) Suwarrow, thou hast shock'd me ; ruthless man, 



56 THE PALL OF POLAND. 

I know not what to think. If this be war, 

I'm sure I've no desire to cultivate 

So great a horror, so profound a scourge. 

{Exit Catherine.) 

Suwak. {aside.) 

So she's decamp'd; I'll follow her this instant, 
And try to soften her imperial ire. 

Princess, {as lie is going off, interrupting his retreat.) 

Stop, Sir, awhile, and hear what I've to say. 
Thou that delight' st so much in shedding blood, — 
Dost thou imagine that thyself wast made 
Invulnerable or invincible } 
Know'st thou not Polish valour? and that thou, 
Much as renown' d for conquest, yet may' st die ? 

Suwae. Pshaw, madam, I'm so busy in the field, 
I have not time to think of life or death, 
At least in your way ; mine is to revolve 
Thro' scenes of devastation, — with no care 
Save that of killing ev'ry foe I meet. 
This is the way I meditate on death. 

{Exit 8uw arrow after the Empress.) 

Princess, {sola.) 

To reason with that butcher, is absurd. 
My course, then, is (if possible) to mar 
His frightful counsels at the fountain head. 
Thus, — while I steer my unsuspected way, 
Between the great Dictator and my Spouse 
Th' secret medium of communication, — 
Here, too, the herald's office I assume 
Por Lithuania and my nuptial Prince. 
In this my twofold character (pray heav'n !) 
May honour shield me with unsullied fame ! 
Nor let that savage rob me of my hopes, 
Unceasing as his opposition proves. 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



■57 



So shall I still defy him, still disdain 
His cruel malice and corrosive hate, — 
Still let him whet his sanguinary fangs, 
And gorge on havoc in his blood-stain'd den. 
STo fear is mine, while Kosciusko lives, 
And Poland, in Ms valour, yet survives ! 

{Exit the Princess Luhomirski.) 



{The Scene changes.) 



58 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



ACT III. Scene III. 

By moonlight. In the front a wood. Near the fore-ground 
a castle wall, with a battlemented turret on each side 
only partially appearing. In the centre of the wall is a 
grand lofty arched entrance to the court-yard, with 
massive gates closed. In the rear, somewhat remote, a 
Castle. 



This Scene commences with a storm of lightning and thunder. 
After it subsides, enter the Polish Patriotic Army, 
accompanied with pieces of cannon. Lastly, enter 
Kosciusko, in a great state of excitement. 

Kos. {looking upwards.) 

Rage on, ye elements, — evince your ire 
At Muscovy's untam'd, perfidious hate ! 
Let the whole round of nature's startled hosts 
In one loud burst of indignation roar ! 
(To his Army.) 

Soldiers, here is the Castle where the Court 
Of that arch-demon cumbers the sad earth ; — 
Here, too, the prison of my valued friend. 
Returning from th' Crimea, where she left 
Myriads of galling adamantine chains, — 
Th' insatiate tyrant cannot here sojourn 
For a few days, ere her first regal act 
Imprisons my ambassador, and hurls 
Defiance at the laws of God and man. 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



59 



Blow, then, ye trumpets ; let your loudest blast 
Eend the afflicted air, and tell that scourge 
That we are come, indignant and resolv'd, 
Prepar'd to blow her castle to the clouds, 
Or rescue the brave partner of our toils ! 

{Several trumpets loudly blow for some minutes. 
Roused by their clangour, Madalinsld at 
length appears in chains at the top of one of 
the Towers. Kosciuslco recognises him.) 
Is that my friend ? — 
Mad. Tis I, — 'tis Madalinski ; — hear my chains ! 

{He clanks his chains against the top or battle- 
ments of the Tower.) 
Kos. shameless outrage ! what an act is this ! 

{To some of his Soldiers.) 
Up with the scaling ladders to yon tow'r ; — 
Lose not a moment till my friend descends. 
Blow on, ye trumpets, — let your ceaseless rage 
Awake the slumb'rers of that odious den ! 

( While the trumpets are sounding, two scaling 
ladders are accordingly thrown up, so as to 
grapple the battlements of the tower whereon 
Madalinsld appears. A Polish soldier 
ascends one of them, and removes the chains 
from the Prisoner. Madalinsld, thus libe- 
rated, descends from the tower ; after which 
the soldier also comes down. Kosciuslco and 
Madalinsld embrace. Presently the large 
massive gates are thrown wide open, and 
the Tzarina comes forward, followed by a 
long train densely lined on each side by 
Russian soldiers armed. The Empress 
addresses the Poles in a bold and intrepid 
manner.) 



60 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



Cath. "Who dares t' infringe the silence of the night ? — 
Kos. A man who dares be honest at all times. 
Cath. Your name ? 

Kos. My name's a tempest, and my heart a fire ; — 
My element the stormy track of war. 
( Several Russian voices exclaim) 

'Tis Kosciusko, — th' great Kosciusko. 
Cath. Kosciusko ! 

.Kos. You see, great Empress, I am not unknown 

Amid your warlike bands ; — wherever breathes 
A valiant soul among them, — he knows me. 

Cath. For this nocturnal broil, I must confess, 
I should have look'd to any other source. 

Kos. Madam, this nightly broil, as thou art pleas'd 
To term it, originates not in me ; — 
It rather springs from perfidy unknown 
Except to barb'rous unciviliz'd climes. 

Cath. What, in the name of wonder, is he at ? 

Kos. In violation of all human laws, 

You seiz'd on my ambassador, and chain' d 

Him like a slave ; — else you might sleep till midday 

Upon your downy pillow undisturb'd. 

Nay, you might sleep from day to day, for aught 

I wish or care t' interrupt such slumbers 

As an unsleeping conscience may admit. 

Cath. ' ' Unsleeping conscience !" — Ho ! you wish to change 
Your military cassock for a cowl. 
Give up your martial deeds, and I myself 
Will make thee my Confess'r : — 'tis wonderful 
What strange extremes we find in men of parts ! 

Kos. Have they who dream cf victories and crowns 
ISTo vital principle to live beyond 
The transient meteors of this desert waste ? 
Have they no soul to wing its way to heav'n, 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



61 



After they pass like pilgrims thro' this world ? 
Have they no true or genuine ambition 
To live beyond this span of human life ? — 

Cath. Stop, babbling hypocrite ! — ambition reigns 
In all thy thoughts, — ambition of the worst 
And deadliest kind. First, you dethrone your king, 
And then you come to moralize with me. 

Kos. Excuse me, madam, if in courtesy 

I seem deficient, while impell'd to give 
A flat denial to the flagrant charge. 

Cath. Art thou not Dictator ? 

Kos. Well, Madam! 

Cath. And could you be so, if your so v' reign still 
Sat at the helm of his own Monarchy ? 

Kos. It is admitted that as yet our King 

Hath not appear' d unshackled on his throne. 

First, you enslav'd him ; royal Fred'ric next ; — 

And lastly Austria. To rescue him 

From such a hateful state of foreign thraldom, 

His patriot subjects have appointed me 

To the reluctant office I now hold. 

Cath. Such is your version, where rebellion reigns 
And makes a cypher ,of the very throne. 

Kos. Let candid Majesty himself decide. 

He can, and will, declare (if so requir'd) 
That he has never felt more truly free, 
Than at the present juncture of affairs. 

Cath. Yes ; you have freed him from Monarchal sway, 
And left him leisure to collect his books, 
Or mind his aviary, or tune his voice, 
Or walk about his garden ev'ry day. 
Is this what you call liberty ? — 

Kos. 'Tis its forerunner, I sincerely hope. 

Yet this is more than Russia's autocrat 



62 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



"Would give him by much odds. 
Cath. Stop, sir : — did she not raise him to a throne ? 
Kos. For which we have to thank thee,£en'rous Empress. 
Cath. I do not want your thanks ; — them I disdain. 
Kos. But, if you elevated him so high, — 

Thou didst not fail t' keep thy foot upon him, 

And bid him follow thy supreme example. 
Cath. Happy idea ! — yet the chain, behold, 

Of thy great argument, involves thyself. 
Kos. How ? 

Cath. You seem t' insinuate, in treason's speech, 
That Stanislas hath trampled on you all. 

Kos. No ; — I only said, thou bad'st him do so. 

Cath. And did he not obey me ? 

Kos. "We ne'er accused him of the foul offence. 

Cath. Then thou art doubly traitorous and false, 
Usurping thy mad office, when your king, 
By thine admission, had offended none. 

Kos. Nay, madam ; — without sophistry I'll solve 

Th' enigma in brief space. After he came, — 
(From whatsoever planet, save the mark !) 
He acted like a Sov'reign much belov'd; — 
He nobly gave us a free Constitution, 
And prov'd himself the Father of his realm. 

Cath. Go on, philosopher, and long remain 

In thy well-earn'd dilemma ; what came next ? 

Kos. Need I tell thee, — such a freeborn era 

"Was far too much for tyrants to behold ! — 
Hence an unhappy crisis soon arose. 

Cath. A most unhappy crisis, past all doubt, 
As you and your compatriots shall feel. 

Kos. To do thee justice, I must needs confess 
No potentate on earth can threaten more. 

Cath. Ay, — and fulfil my promise to the last. 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



63 



Kos. Mine shall not be mere language of defiance ; 

Explore the sequel in my future acts. [roar r 

Oath. What ! would' st thou struggle with the torrent's 

Kos. Yes, — with ten thousand torrents !. "Where's the 
Or raging cataract, we dread so much [flood, 
As slavery and chains ? 

Cath. Rather consider where' s the room for hope, 
If Russian, Austrian, and Prussian arms 
Combine against you ? what are you to stem 
So dire a confluence of armies vast ? 

Kos. The willing mind, led on by Providence, 
May hurl a simple sling, and nobly slay 
Th' awful giant of a nation's thraldom. 

Cath. Nay, — with my own unaided armaments 
I'd undertake to circumvent you all, 
And blow you like a vapour out of being. 

Kos. Madam, believe me, you may strive to drown 
The monitor within you for awhile ; 
But yet, its awful warnings will be heard ; — 
Still will the sighs of immortality 
Assert their pow'r, tho' dismal silence long 
May (as it were) seal up their still small voice ; — 
The time approaches when their period comes, — 
No more to whisper in our list'ning ears, 
But with the loudest thunders to awake 
The noblest dreamer of the present scene. 

Cath. Doubtless, thou wert intended for a priest, 
Or holy friar, — Dominican or grey, — 
Franciscan, Jesuit, or Jansenist. 
Let me, then, hear thy lecture to its close ; — 
Go on, Confessor, — military monk^ — 
Fancy you now address some erring nun, 
And do thy function with a manly grace. 

{Here the Empress Catherine endeavours to 



64 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



force a smile expressive of contempt as well 
as levity.) 

Kos. Hah. ! canst thou smile, as if no pang within 
Lay rankling in thy fluctuating breast ? 
Can you still smile at your ensanguin'd course 
That holds a sceptre o'er a sea of woe ? 
Can you smile always f Can you smile at death f 
Or can you smile at that, mighty Queen ? 

( While ashing this last question, he appears 
greatly moved or agitated.) 
Cats. At what ? ! {in a very enquiring manner.) 
Xos. At that pale Yision of the troubled night ! — 

It seems to wear a crown; — now shows its wounds ; — 

Now points to thee ; — now tumbles from a throne. 

Dost thou not see it? is it possible ?— 

Lo ! now it closer moves, as if to soothe 

The palpitation of a Royal Spouse ! 

heav 'ns ! it seems prepar'd to grasp thee round, 

To fold thee in its shrouds, and take thee hence. 

{Here Catherine shrieks, and becomes terribly 
alarmed.) 

Spirit of whatever region, what disturbs 

Thy mist-like form ? —Ha ! do thy w r ounds begin 

To bleed afresh ? — they spout like salient streams ; — 

On all her royal robes the crimson flood 

Appears to issue with relentless sway. 

Oh ! what an awful sight! — she's bath'd in blood, 

Ev'n in a husband's blood, from head to foot. 

{Here Catherine sinks down, partially supported 
by two of her maids of honour. Great con- 
sternation pervades all present, while an 
indistinct luminous appearance crosses the 
entire Stage a few feel distant from the floor. 
The Vision has no regularly defined form, 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



65 



hut seems like a collection of regal habili- 
ments {stained with Hood) somewhat similar 
to thin luminous clouds or mists. This is 
merely intended to delineate to the audience 
the apparition which Catherine, thus wrought 
oil, fancied she actually saw. Lightnings 
and thundering s again come on. At the 
first intermission of these tempestuous accom- 
paniments, Kosciusko gives a motion with 
Ms hand, in oledisnce to which the trumpet 
sounds the signal of recal. 
Exeunt Kosciusko and Madalinski, in a very 
slow and solemn mood, the former leaning 
on the arm of the latter, folloived ly all the 
Poles and their Artillery ; while the Russians 
stand looking on, in silent stupor and amaze- 
ment.) 



{Here the Curtain drops.) 



E> T D OF THE THIRD ACT. 



THE PALL OP POLAND. 



ACT IV. Scene I. 

A wood; in the rear of which, are some trunks of felled 
Timber. 



This Scene commences with a confused clangour of trumpets 
heard from various directions : also heavy Paries of 
Artillery are heard firing at a distance. Finally the 
trumpet of retreat is sounded ; and three successive bodies 
of Prussians, at short intervals, rush across the Stage 
driven before the victorious Poles. 

Enter Feedebic, precipitately followed by Kosciusko ; 
both with drawn swords. 

Kos. Hah ! have we met at length, King ? 

Feed. True, Kosciusko, — but 'tis out of place ; — 
So there remain, with all your merry men, 
Till my return ; — I'll come again, you'll find. 

(Exit Frederic with a train of followers just 
come up. 

Enter a Polish soldier with a letter, which he 
gives to the Dictator, and immediately Exits. ) 
(A voice without.) 

Th' foe is coming fast in this direction. 
Kos. Meet them, then ; — sound the charge ; let ev'ry 
Dash onward at them like electric fire. [man 
Tell them, I dispute that pass ; show them there 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



67 



A wall of Polish spears, while I peruse 
This letter ; tow' ids the river glance them off. 
reads as follows : — ) 

" My dear Friend, — I have to inform your 
Excellency, — unaccountable as it might other- 
wise appear, — that forty thousand Prussians 
have been put to flight. The whole difficulty 
is now completely solved, as intelligence hath 
arrived of various insurrections in the Polish 
Provinces recently annexed to Prussia. The 
Prussian yoke there is extremely galling. In 
all his new provinces Frederic William hath 
introduced German laws, and has even gone so 
far as to oblige his vanquished subjects to 
learn the language of their victors. Our coun- 
trymen accordingly foresee that, in those re- 
gions, it is manifestly intended to eradicate 
everything Polish from the face of the earth. 
This news I have obtained from Despatches 
which a Courier of the enemy dropped in the 
confusion of their retreat, and may be relied on 
as undoubtedly authentic. 

" Yours as ever, &c. &c. &c. 

" Dombkowski." 

This is most fortunate ! with such a chasm 
As the retreat of forty thousand men 
So opportunely makes on th' adverse side, — 
Our course at length in one bright current runs. 
Henceforth, with undivided armaments, 
We'll teach the fell Suwarrow to suspect 
That he is not invincible, tho' flush' d 
With victories obtain'd in Turkish realms. 
But hold, — I've been so long unvisitcd 



THE FALL 01" POLAND. 

By soothing sleep in this untir'd campaign, — 
I dare not quarrel with her present summons. 
Yet where' s her pillow and her welcome couch ? 

(He looks round.) 
Ha ! there I see it ! 'tis a sylvan bed, 
And soft enough for any true-bred soldier. 
The battle also slumbers ; — so shall I. 

(Me retires, and lies down on one of the trunks 
of the felled trees, having his head on another 
trunk which happens to he more elevated. 
Sere he has a most remarkable Dream, which 
is prefigured hy a succession of Images in 
Luminous Clouds. A Heavenly Choir is 
heard (not seen) singing throughout this 
aerial preintimation of future events.) 

1st. A Glee, by either 3 or 4 voices. 

Favour' d of heav'n, receive 
What happy angels give ; — 
For, where in sleep no guilty thunders roll, 
With pleasing visions we delight the soul. 
Such is virtue's sov'reign pow'r, 
Heav'nly rays sublime her views, 
Ev'n in danger's cloud-cast hour 
Yielding hope in all her hues. 

2ndly. A Prophetic Solo, Recitative. 

Sometimes the deer escapes,— sometimes he dies ; — 
Man, like the deer, oft hears the hunter's cries. 
Tumult on tumult, — such is Heav'n's decree, 
Joy follows joy, before the soul is free. 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



69 



oi'dly. Partly as a Duet, and partly as a Trio or Choetjs. 

Heav'n is just in all her ways, 
Hence her voice whoe'er obeys — 

Meets with ruin never ; 
For, on earth tho' virtue sighs, 
Soon she journeys to the skies, 

There to reign for ever. 

( While the above Sta?izas are sung, there is a 
constant succession of Mystic Scenes in 
beautifully diversified Clouds, emblematic of 
various changes in States and Empires. 
Among these misty prefigurations of coming 
events, the following are not the least 
remarkable. Another Partitioning of 
Poland is thus represented : — There is a 
large splendid vestment in various colours, 
worn by a very interesting female, over whose 
head is inscribed, in transparent characters, 
the ivord " Poland." Three other female 
figures lay violent hands on this attractive 
vesture, and rend it into three portions, 
each retaining a large part for herself. 
These Three have the words " Russia," 
" Prussia, " and "Austria" respectively 
written over their heads. They bear away 
the Prize, and "Poland" follows them in 
a supplicating posture. This is one of the 
Visions of the- Dream. 
Another Vision is as follows : — There is a 
very great excitement among a group of 
female figures, over whose heads, in similar 
transparent characters, are respectively in- 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



scribed the names of the great nations of 
Europe. They all cast a very attentive eye 
on " Poland," who {at one time) is repre- 
sented as gradually sinking down, lower and 
lower, till at length she becomes entirely 
prostrate. At this crisis, four female 
figures go to her assistance, and gradually 
raise her up. Over their heads are written 
"Britannia," " Gallia," " Hibernia," 
and "Scotia." 

Another Vision is thus represented: — Three 
female figures appear, having respectively 
written over their heads — "Russia," 
" Tubxey," and "India." Russia seizes 
Turkey and lays her prostrate beneath her ; 
and, on the other side, lays hold of one of 
the garments of India. At this juncture 
Britannia (ivith a lion couching at her foot, 
and looking furiously at Russia) rescues the 
Garment of India out of her hand, and 
drives her away. Thus Russia flies from 
the pursuing Britannia, accompanied by the 
lion now rampant and raging after the 
fugitive Autocrat. 

The Three Visions, here set forth, may serve 
as a specimen of a numerous train of similar 
preintimations of Future Events, which 

- abound throughout this most Significant 
Dream. 

The series of luminous Clouds at length 
terminates, and Kosciusko awakes out of 
sleep. He rises from the trunks of the 
felled trees, whereon he had slept, and comes 
forward in a very thoughtful mood.) 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



71 



Kos. (solus.) 

Think, as ye will, of dreams, — insane mankind, 
They fail not to evince, past ev'ry doubt, 
A sep'rate and peculiar energy 
Of purely mental birth, — where in the soul 
Th' scenes of life recur, unclogg'd by matter, 
Gliding alone on intellectual wing. 
Nor, in this instance, is their airy world 
To past events confin'd ; — witness the voice 
Pkophettc that pervades these mental flights. 
(Looking to one side.) 

Yet who comes here, — to interrupt my thoughts 
On this momentous vision ? — heav'nly pow'rs 
Forgive my present flight ! when time permits, 
In contemplation we shall meet again. 

Enter Madallnski. 

"What now, my friend ? 
Madal. My Lord Dictator, I come overwhelm' d 

With most disastrous news. 
Kos. Quickly unfold it, — let it blow what will ! 
Madal. Chrysillida and Eadziwilla both 

Are pris'ners of Suwarrow. 
Kos. cruel destiny ! But tell me where 

Their consorts are ? I fear they're fall'n in battle. 
Madal. My information, I regret to state, 

Is silent on that subject ; — what I Ijeard, 

I panted to communicate in haste ; 

Hence I delay' d not to explore the rest. 
Kos. Well, well ! no time is to be lost ; — come on. 

(Exeunt; Kosciusko going first.) 

(The Scene changes.) 



72 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



ACT IV. Scene II. 
Another wood, of deep perspective. 



This Scene opens ivith Radziwilla reclining over the body of 
Kollontay, and Chrysillida over that of JhiaHnski, in 
the rear ground ; loth their husbands having been slain 
in battle. 

Here also is Sttwabeow, with Russian forces on each side. 

Suwar. {coming forward.} 

So ho ! my pretty birds are cag'd at last. 
Ferzen, I ween, with all his fine tirades, 
"Would not be loth t' admire their beauteous crest. 
But neither shall be his ; — I'll take them both 
Under my own peculiar patronage, 
And try to woo them like a lover true. 
Turkey's the land where beauteous women hail 
A Russian conqueror with open arms. 
These,* I suspect, will act a difTrent part; — 
But I shall follow them, where'er they go. 
Despair had almost seiz'd me ; — I began 
To think we never could secure them living, — 
They fought with such dexterity and fire : — 
But, since their husbands fell, in grief o'erwhelra'd 
They seem almost unconscious they're our pris'ners 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



73 



{Sere he turns round, and moves towards the 
rear in a very slow pace. While Suwarrow 
is retiring, a trumpet, without, loudly sounds 
to the charge. Astonishment seizes the 
Russians ; presently Enter Kosciusko with 
sword in hand, followed by a chosen hand 
of Poles with Madalinsli at their head.) 
SirwAE. {drawing his sword.) 

Hail, Kosciusko ! I'm glad to see thee. 
Kos. Receive, then, my salute ; — 'tis quite in point. 

{They engage each other with very great ani- 
mation. While they are warmly contesting, 
Madalinshi's party, in a most furious onset, 
expel the Russians, and Exeunt driving 
them on before them. Lastly, in the same 
direction, Exeunt Suwarrow and Kosciusko 
still fighting ; the former being driven on 
by the latter. Meanwhile, Radziwilla and 
Chrysillida, roused by the tumult, and 
having left the bodies of their slain consorts, 
come forward, still gazing with vast amaze- 
ment, and looking now towards one side.) 
Chey. Oh ! my dear Sister ! what is this we see ? 
Radz. The noble Kosciusko, I believe, 

Hath routed that infernal Muscovite. 
Chey. Yes ; — I begin to think so ; — mem ry seems 
Returning on me; — my harrow'd soul ! 
Yet, Radziwilla, where is now them.se 
Of fighting for so desolate a pair ? 
Radz. I hope our friend has kill'd him. 
Chey. 'Twould do a service to mankind. 
Radz. Lo, th' enemy is fled, but not despatch' d. 
Chey. A day there was, when we would not look on 
In such a state of listless indolence. 



74 



THE FALL 0E FOLASTI^ 



Re-enter Kosciusko. 

Kos. Dearest of friends, — how greatly I rejoice 
To see you rescued from so dire a scourge ! 

Chut. Noble Dictator, well as we can thank you 
Call us grateful ! yet what is life to us, 
Heft as we are of consorts so belov'd ? 
Ah ! Kosciusko, we are widows now ; — 
The nuptial mantle that for many years- 
So kindly shelter' d us from ev'ry storm, 
Is now remov'd and violently rent, 
And prostrate on the earth before thee lies. 

{Sere she points to the dead bodies of their 
husbands.) 

Yes ; look on them, and tell us what we are. 

Kaez. Oh, what a wreck is now before our eyes ! 
The awful visitation rolls around, — 
While from our breasts dissever' d, sadly torn, 
Th' beings, in whom we liv'd, .are gone for ever ! 
No more to hail us with th' ecstatic throb 
Of sweet affection and the purest love : — 
No more to take our children on their knee, 
And give them the rever'd paternal kiss :— 
No more to bless our dwellings with their smiles ; — 
No ; but to mingle with their parent dust. 

Chey. Surely this state of our existence seems 
A rueful vista to another world. 
Come, then, what will, — I cannot deeper plunge 
Into the lap of human misery. 
Why have I liv'd to witness such an hour ? 

Radz. Ah! wherefore was I born ? 

Chey. 'Tis vain to struggle any longer here ; 

my soul, go on ! cast off all your fetters ! 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



75 



Burst the sad tenement that chains thee down ! 
Force, force your way ! nor ever let your course 
Be stopp'd on this side of the ruthless grave ; — 
Till- from your mortal prison you ascend 
Into your own immortal empire, — there — 
Yes there — (Heav'n grant !) to join our friends again 
With better auspices and brighter hopes ! 

{Here Radziwilla clasps Chrysillida in her 
arms ; and loth remain firmly folded in each 
other's embrace for some time. Kosciusko 
slowly moves forward in great grief) 

Kos. (to himself) 

Oft have I trod th' ensanguin'd plains of war, 

And known vicissitudes in ev'ry form ; — 

But till this moment I could never say 

That real agony assail' d my soul. 

O Kosciusko, thou hast lost in them 

Two valued friends as ever breath' d on earth ! 

The widows and the orphans they have left — 

heav'ns ! it is a direful piteous sight ! 

1 never knew perplexity before. 
Untutor'd in the school of nuptial life, 

I know not how to vent my lab'ring mind ; — 
Nor have I ever seen the least success 
Attend officious counsel, at a time 
When human nature with excessive grief 
Was bursting into madness and despair. 
Short, then, be my attempt at consolation. 
(To them.) 

Ladies, most valued of your sex, receive 

From me a tributary tear ! Behold 

How much devolves on me ! that same increas'd — 

Most poignantly increas'd by the sad cause 

Of your profound affliction and my own ! 



THE TALL OF POLAXB. 

Excuse me, then, by duty thus impell'd r 

To guard you still, as -well as guide the helm ; — 

I must away ; but, ere I go, I'll leave you 

To a far better care-taker — to Heav'n ! 

Adieu, my friends ! our parting is, I trust, 

]No more than momentary : {aside) tho', perhaps, 

It is a solemn, long, and last farewell ! 

{Exit Kosciusko sloicly, and altogether like a 
man struggling with his feelings. 



{The Scene immediately changes^) 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



77 



ACT IY. Scene III. 

An apartment, looking into a hack lawn, and having in its 
centre a lofty arch with folding doors 



Enter Feedekic. 

Feed, (solus.) 

So Stanislas hath quarrell'd with his friend ; — 

Like a high-mettled charger off he goes. 

'Tis not his first attempt ; — nor shall it be, 

If I have any wit, his final plunge. 

I'll try to lure him hack, — and train him better. 

Meanwhile we must be stirring, since these dogs, 

These Polish dogs of ours have ceas'd to bite. 

(Turning about, and addressing his Army, 
part whereof now appear, through the cen- 
tral arch, in the lawn in the rear.) 

Let the loud trumpet sound an instant charge ! 

We'll show those patriots how well we rally. 

(The Prussian trumpet, without, sounds as 
directed.) 

Now let th' van proceed ; — I'll shortly follow, 

(The van of the Prussian Army march on ouU 
side, cross the central arch, and so Exeunt 
in the rear.) 

Should th' war take a southward line of action, 
I'll place the enemy between two fires. 
h 2 



THE PALL OP POLAND. 

This I'll effect by certain signal rockets, 

Like telegraphic characters arrang'd. 

Obedient to this novel stratagem 

An overwhelming armament shall move, 

And, under cover of th' unconscious night, 

Shall give those patriots a warm embrace. 

This, too, occurring where they least suspect, 

Will so astound the circumvented foe, 

That (if my augury may prove correct), 

'Twill shortly end this obstinate campaign. 

Poor devils! how they'll writhe beneath the show'rs 

Which our artillery shall pour upon them ! 

Nay ; it is e'en a source of grief to me, 

To have recourse to such an awful scourge. 

{Exit Frederic through the archicay.) 



{The Scene changes.) 



THE FAIL OF POLAND. 



79 



ACT IV. Scene IY. 

A wood, with a drop-scene which represents a country in 
long or deep perspective. 



Enter MadaiijStsei. 

Madal. (solus.) 

That vile Poninski I could never trust ; 

I always felt disdain 'neath his command. 

Would we had known him sooner ! wisdom thus 

Too often lags behind the traitor's lunge. 

But yonder Kosciusko, like the wind, 

Carries a tempest in his ev'ry look. 

How shall I meet him ? — -how communicate 

The sad disaster which portends our ruin ? . 

Enter Kosciusko, in great haste. 

Kos. My friend, I'm glad to meet thee at this crisis. 
The army of Suwarrow hath been kept 
Completely separate from Perzen's force : 
Had they but join'd, — our enterprise had fail'd. 
But what is this I witness in thy looks, 
Now that the Prussians have resum'd the war ? 
A cloud on battle's ardent mien conveys 
More than a volume ! — Madalinski, speak ! 

Madal. "What valour could perform was nobly done, 



80 THE FALL OF POLAND. 

And all appear' d to promise great results ; — 
But what the honest course of conquest fail'd 
To give our enemy, — may yet be done 
By treason's undermining influence. 
Kos. {astonished.) 

Explain thyself! 
Madal. Poninski is a traitor, — he whose bands 
Were now expected in this very point. 
Kos. Ha ! is it possible ? — Poninski ! 
Hadal. The foe advances fast ; but where great strength 
"Was doubly wanting, weakness only reigns, — 
All owing to that demon of deception. 
Kos. The dastard coward ! who could choose to raise 
A heap of gold upon his Country's ruin ! 
Paltry equivalent for all that springs 
Prom ignominy's false and perjur'd train ! — 
Where are the forces whom the traitor led ? 
ITadal. By varied artifice and foul deceit, 

Against their own conviction, he allur'd 
The greater portion into deep defiles, 
As if for preconcerted ambuscades. 
Thence (as it were), lock'd in by hostile hordes, 
'Tis easy to infer the sequel dire. 
Kos. Wert thou a witness of the fatal scene ? 
!Madal. Alas ! too true ! but with a world of toil 

My troops surmounted e'en this adverse stroke, 
Cutting an awful vista through the foe. 
Kos. Brave fellows ! worthy of a better lot 

Than following that base abandon'd wretch ! 
Yet what is to be done ? no time is ours 
To waste away in indolent regret. 
ICaual. We're all agreed, and only wait for thee 

To sanction or reject what we advise. 
Kos. Say on. 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



Madal. With mighty effort let us sally forth 

Into the thickest of the hostile ranks, — 
Prepar'd (if possible) to turn the scale, 
Or die with honour in the great attempt. 

Kos. 'Tis nobly said; I like the bold device ; — 
Yes, it is well conceiv'd, whate'er betide. 
Come, then, brave comrade, like a storm on fire 
To howl o'er desolation might and main. 

Hadal. Not so, great Captain, if our will prevail. 
Leave «s to perish, — but let Poland still 
Preserve her best, her only guardian hope ! 

Kos. And dost thou think to leave your chief behind, 
To mourn, like woman, o'er th' tombs of heroes 
Never, Oh never, while this arm can wield 
My trusty sword in Poland's proud defence. 

aLadal. Consider, Kosciusko, if we fall, 

We scarcely can be miss'd, while thou remain'st 
But if thy vital lamp should chance t' expire, 
Our Country's fun'ral knell must soon succeed. 

Kos. Pshaw ! never mention it ; — name it no more ;— 
The very thought inflicts a deeper wound 
Than all our enemies could ever give. 
No ; let me fall in glory's vast career, — 
If so it must be, — let me fall at once ; — 
Let me share also ev'ry scar with you ; — 
To die in such a cause is life itself. 
Come, then, companion dear ; tho' it may seem 
No better than a desp'rate forlorn hope ! 
Since all are resolute, let's plough our way 
Thro' yon advancing column of the foe ! 

{Exeunt Kosciusko and MadalmsM.) 

{The Scene changes.) 



82 THE EALL OF POLAND. 



ACT IY. Scene Y. 

Another wood, with a large cross range of rocks beautifully 
diversified with shrubs, and clothed with autumnal foliage. 



First, This Scene commences with a band of music heard 

playing as from a distance. 
Secondly, A distant cannonade is heard like slow rumbling 

of remote thunder for some time. 
Thirdly, A Polish Bugle sounds to the charge without, at 

one side. 

Fourthly, It is presently answered by a Russian trumpet, 
without, at the other side. 

Fifthly, Enter Madalinski, leading on a body of resolute 
Polish Troops. He looks toward one side, without inter- 
mission, during his following address to his soldiers. 

Madal. Oh, how unfortunate it is to be 

Thus separated from our martial Chief ! 
The floods of war were irresistible ; — 
They cut our columns into num'rous parts. 
Yonder another hostile deluge rolls ; — 
Onward it rages with tremendous strides. 
Lo ! there th' unaw'd Dictator reappears 
Plowing his stormy way thro' myriads falTn ! 
On, on, ye brave ; — a resolute advance 
May reunite our forces and prevail. 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



83 



Stop not your furious onset till you blot 
Your Country's foes completely out of being ! 

(Exeunt all briskly ; Madalinshi going first. 
Without, after a few seconds' lapse, there 
is a great clashing of sivords, succeeded ly a 
vast tumult, which soon dies away. Pre- 
sently, for a short time, as if in commemo- 
ration of victory, a land of music is heard 
playing. It ceases,) 



(And the Scene changes.) 



84 THE FALL OP POLAND. 



ACT IV. Scene VI. 

A wood, with a tolerably elevated table-land, at one side, 
running far bach in the rear, and extending near the 
front. TJtere is also a small portion of similarly elevated 
table-land, at the other side, far back in the rear. A 
rustic bridge there rests on the two table-lands. A river 
winds along the base of the greater table-land, and flows 
out of view, after passing under the bridge. On this, 
the greater table-land, are placed two biers {side by side, 
in close contact, and having their ends visible), with the 
Corses of Kollontay and Dzialinski, each covered with 
a black velvet pall, under a canopy, like a tent with 
curtains thrown wide open. There Radziwilla and 
ChrysilUda appear respectively reclining on their slain 
husbands. 



Below, near the front, in the centre, on a rising knoll about 
two feet from the floor, Kosciusko reclines on his arm, 
with sivord in hand, surrounded by the bodies of his slain 
friends, viz. that of Madalinski, and several others. 

Kos. Have I been sluinb'ring long amid the dead — 
Surrounded by my friends — who bravely fought 
Till cover' d like myself with countless wounds ? 
Are they still bleeding on the parent soil ? — 
Say, Mokranowski, has thy spirit fled ? — 
Or thine, Dombrowski, valour's far-fam'd son r — 



THE FALL OE POLAND, 



85 



Oginski ! — Dzialinski ! — Kollontay ! — 

Ah ! these are surely immber'd with the dead ! 

Zajonezec, art thou silent, too ? — or thou, 

Heroic Maclalinski, honour' d friend, 

"Whose heart with mine would shed its latest drop 

Upon the altar of thy native land ? — 

Is there no tongue, — no voice to answer me ? 

Are all as mute as Nature's speechless grave r 

Then let me die !— I've been too long on earth 

To witness such an awful stillness here. 



Enter Ferzen, the Russian General, accompanied by some of 
his soldiers. One of them, perceiving Kosciusko sitting 
ap and leaning on his sword, goes towards him, and is 
about to run him through with his fixed bayonet. 

Ferzen {preventing him.) 

What ! would' st thou kill Kosciusko ? 

{The Soldier, surprised, desists from his pur- 
pose, and lets his firelock fall to the ground. 
Mute astonishment seizes the Russians.) 
Kos. Ay, let him strike ! my country hath receiv'd 
A greater blow ; — I wish not to survive 
The fatal hour when Poland clanks her chains ! 
Feezen {to his soldiers.) 

Warfare hath done its part ; henceforth in peace 
Behold yon prostrate hero ! {aside.) I'm inclin'd 
To go myself and seek some skilful surgeon. 
To see th' brave and matchless Kosciusko 
In such a situation, chills my soul. 
Gome, soldiers, follow. 

(Exit Ferzen, followed by his soldiers.) 

Kos. (to himself.) 

Victor and Yanquish'd, too, seem both alike, 
i 



86 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



The former, tho' triumphant, is a slave ; — 
The latter is no more, — tho' nobly led, 
Aspiring: after liberty, — to fall. 
death ! thy sceptre is upon me ! — hah ! 

{Kosciusko ceases to recline, now falling com- 
pletely prostrate. In this situation he con- 
tinues silent and motionless for a long time. 
Above, Enter a party of Russia?is, who cross 
over the rustic bridge, and immediately on 
the other side encounter {sword in hand) the 
Poles stationed there, on the main talle-land, 
as a guard to the heroic and disconsolate 
widows. These, after an obstinate resist- 
ance, are routed, and Exeunt on that 
table-land. Meanwhile, Radziwilla and 
Chrysilltda, roused by this contest, had 
abandoned their inclined, position over their 
husbands' corses, had drawn their swords, 
and had sternly viewed this Engagement, to 
them so ultimately adverse.) 
Chky. Others may fly ; but on this sacred spot 
Let's sell our lives as dearly as we can ! 
Radz. Yes, and avenge our consorts' cruel death ! 
Chey. 'Tis our best safeguard, — while affrighted virtue 

Anticipates no mercy at their hands. 
A Russian. Yield yourselves instant pris'ners, or you die. 
Radz. What? do you dare to threaten us with death, — 

We, who disdain existence unreveng'd ! 
Chuy. No ; we shall never yield ; — no parley we 

Desire from such a sanguinary foe ! 
A Russian. Change your minds instantly, or dread our pow'r. 
Radz. Come on, dear sister ; let's engage at once ! 

{They both dash at the Russians with vast 
resolution, sword in hand ; and the latter 



THE PALL OF POLAND. 



57 



retreat precipitately over the bridge. Just 
as they reach the bridge, the two widows 
pause, and return from the pursuit to their 
former position.) 
Ceet. 'Tis a mere feint ; — they merely wish to draw 

Us from our Citadel, as this shall be. 
Radz. That were a vain attempt, if I can judge 

Of your determination and my own. 
Chet. "We'll follow them no more, but here abide 

To end our pilgrimage in honour's cause. 
Radz. It is the utmost we can hope to gain, 
A happy liberation out of woe. 

{Re-enter the Russians, crossing the bridge 
again, and proceeding with cautious steps.) 
Chet. Lo ! they return ; — insidiously they come. 

Be guarded, Sister, or the tigers' bound 
May take us by surprise and force us off. 
Radz. Never, Chrysillida, while thus resolv'd 

To wield our trusty falchions to the last. 
Chey. Come on, ye wolves ; your prey is now prepar'd ; 

But you must kill it ere you call it yours. 
A Russian. On, Russians, on ; 'tis vain to loiter more. 

{They now make many fruitless attempts to 
take the two heroic widows alive ; so dex- 
terously do the latter parry off every ap- 
proach, while numbers of the Enemy are 
slain by them.) 
A Russian. We're losing many lives. 
Another. Then let us kill them, or they'll kill us all. 

( The Russians noio press onward in a body, 
and run both Radziwilla and Chrysillida 
through with their swords.) 
Haez. I'm dvins;, dearest Sister ! 



88 



THE FALL OF POLAND. 



Chry. So am I : kind Heav'n be prais'd ! 

{Their sivords drop from their hands; they 
fall down beside their husbands' bier and 
expire. 

Re-enter the Poles, rallying on the main table- 
land. They soon put the Russians to flight, 
■who retreat precipitately over the rustic 
bridge. The victors continue the pursuit ; 
thus all Exeunt there. 

Next, Enter two Polish women, who draiv the 
curtains of the tent {on the main table-land) 
quite close ; hence all there become invisible 
to the End. 

Re-enter, below, Ferzen with his back turned 
towards the Dictator. The latter now 
seems like a person roused out of a reverie ; 
he rises to his former reclining position.) 

Kos. I think I heard the distant clash of arms ; — 
But lo ! who is that Russian General ? 

Feezed {turning round.) 

Tis I, illustrious Chieftain, just return' d, — 
A surgeon is expected ev'ry moment. 

Kos. Ferzen, I'm glad it's you ; I hate so much 
The dire Suwarrow, that most cruel scourge 
AVho lately gave our city to the flames : 
Nor age, nor virtue, sanctity, nor sex, 
Nor aught appearing like humanity, 
Could for a moment stay the brutal rage 
That left all Cracow in one mass of ruin. 

Ferzen {aside.) 

This is a subject I must wisely shun. 

{To him. flighty, tho' fallen, Chieftain, could'st thou bear 
Removal in thy present feeble state ? 



THE FALL OF FOLAXD. 



SO 



Kos. My body's like a target riddled o'er [flowing, 
With num'rous wounds : — th' streams of life are 
Not as before, — but to manure the earth. 
Mind not the prostrate Kosciusko, then ; 
Far other cares are crowding in his thoughts. 
Have any tidings reach' d thine ear of late, 
Of Eadziwilla and Chrysillida ? 

Feezex. Not a syllable. 

Kos. Oh dire suspense ! tho' why presume to hope 
Those patriotic widows could survive 
A period so replete with Poland's wrongs ? 
Their hearts would break, if conscious of the ruin 
Which ev'rywhere around their country rolls. 
But, if they live ; in honour let them live ; — 
I say, brave General, — in honour live 
Far from that odious demon of the north, 
The fell Suwarrow, who nor God nor man 
Regards, — but, like a pestilential blast, 
Moves o'er creation with a fury's howl : — 
Save them from him, and be for ever bless' d ! 

Feezex. Far as my influence extends, I promise. 

Kos. Make me one other promise, and I've done. 

Since morn arose, Oh tell me, hast thou seen 
The Princess Lubomirski and her son ? 

Feezex. They're both our pris'ners, and will soon be here. 

Kos. Why your pris'ners ? Sure, they are not like me, 
Your steadfast enemy : what have they done : 

Feezex. The youth seem'd bent on mischief; but we soon 
Begirt him round, and took away his sword. 

Kos. Poh ! he's a boy, — a mere, mere boy. 

Feezex. Egad, an army of such very boys 

Would keep us all a- stirring right and left. 

Kos. His gen'rous mother came on embassy 

To your proud Empress, — and as such demands 




90 THE FALL OE POLAND. 

A passport to her long-absented home. 

Ferzen. That she was offer' d, but without her son 
Prefers captivity, — or even death. 

Kos. And wouldst thou take away her only joy, — 
The only male companion of her course ? — 
Surely thou wilt not, — if a Soldier's honour 
Caii prove a barrier to th' inglorious deed. 
Shall Kosciusko plead for them in vain, — 
That prostrate enemy who gave you all 
Enough to do, as long as he could stand ? 
Kow that he lingers on his mother earth, — 
Perhaps, ere night, to yield his vital spark 
To that dear Country where he first drew breath, — 
Wilt thou deny him this — his last request ? 

(Sere Ferzen, previously agitated, clasps his 
hands, and appears deeply affected. The 
attention of all is suddenly arrested hj a 
confused clangour of trumpets, without, 
and the crowding in of Russian Soldiers, 
who enter from all directions with Polish 
Captives^ male and female. Next the 
Princess Lubomirski and her son are led in ; 
the latter heing in chains. At seeing 
Kosciuslco in his reclining and wounded 
state, she shrieks and falls on the shoulders 
of her equally -sorrowing son the young 
Prince Charles. In this afflicting posture 
of affairs, the Curtain drops, ending the 
Drama.) 

THE END. 



WILSON AND OGILVY, SKINNER STREET, LONDON. 



